Alfalfa Seeds for India
This page is for Indian dairy cooperatives, private dairy operators, buffalo dairy farmers, fodder seed traders, and research institutions sourcing wholesale alfalfa (Wikipedia: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also called rijka, lucern, vilayati gawat) seed. KOHENOOR International is a Pakistan-based direct exporter since 1957. ISO 9001 quality management system + HACCP (FDA) + ISTA Orange Certificate per lot. Australian Seed Federation member #1200264. India-Pakistan bilateral trade is subject to government policy - third-country routing is available when direct bilateral trade is restricted.
Alfalfa (rijka) seeds for India: Wholesale direct or via third-country routing from KOHENOOR International, Pakistan.
ISTA Orange Certificate every lot. Cultivars matched to Indian climate zones (cold-tolerant for Himachal/Punjab, heat-tolerant for Rajasthan/Gujarat). MOQ 1 MT trial / 20-25 MT container.
WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 for current FOB Karachi quote and current routing options.
Alfalfa seeds for India - the essentials
- Direct supplier
- KOHENOOR International (Hyderabad HQ, Karachi/Port Qasim loading)
- Years exporting
- Since 1957 (68 years, third-generation family business)
- Quality system
- ISO 9001 quality management system, HACCP (FDA) compliant, ISTA Orange Certificate per lot
- Industry membership
- Australian Seed Federation (Member #1200264)
- Shipping
- via Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva, Mumbai), Mundra Port, or Chennai - 5-10 days sea transit
- Crop name
- Alfalfa (अल्फाल्फा), lucerne (लूसर्न), rijka (रिजका), vilayati gawat (विलायती गावत), Medicago sativa - see Wikipedia: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- MOQ
- 1 MT trial, 20-25 MT (one container) for best FOB rate
- Documents
- ISTA Orange Certificate, Phytosanitary (Pakistan Department of Plant Protection), Certificate of Origin (Karachi Chamber of Commerce), Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List
- India customs
- HS 1209.21 - alfalfa seed for sowing. India-Pakistan bilateral trade subject to government policy (subject to current MFN status and trade conditions)
- Payment
- Subject to bilateral trade policy - coordinate via third-country bank arrangement where applicable
- WhatsApp / Email
- +92 310 4929292 / export@kohenoorint.com
Important note on India-Pakistan bilateral trade: India and Pakistan trade relations are subject to government policy. Specific bilateral trade routes may be restricted at given times. KOHENOOR works with Indian buyers via third-country routing where direct bilateral trade is restricted. WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 to discuss current routing options for Indian importers.
India alfalfa market context
India has the world's largest cattle and buffalo population - approximately 300 million bovines according to FAO statistics. The dairy sector is the world's largest by volume. Domestic alfalfa (rijka) production is significant in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) promotes alfalfa varieties through state agriculture universities.
Alfalfa demand in India is driven by:
- Cooperative dairy sector - Amul, Mother Dairy, Karnataka Milk Federation (Nandini), and other state-level cooperatives
- Private commercial dairy - Hatsun, Heritage Foods, and others
- Buffalo dairy concentrate - Mehsana, Murrah, Nili-Ravi buffalo dairy operations
- Sprouting market - alfalfa sprouts in urban Indian salad and health food markets
- Research and seed multiplication - FAO-affiliated programs
Sea route from Karachi to Indian ports
| Route option | Port | Transit |
|---|
| Direct sea | Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Mumbai | 5-8 days (geographically closest) |
| Direct sea | Mundra Port, Gujarat | 3-5 days |
| Direct sea | Kandla Port, Gujarat | 4-6 days |
| Via third country | Coordinate via Dubai / Singapore transhipment | 15-30 days (subject to routing) |
Local Indian names for alfalfa
| Language | Local name |
|---|
| Hindi | अल्फाल्फा (alfalfa), लूसर्न (lucern), रिजका (rijka), विलायती गावत (vilayati gawat) |
| Punjabi | ਅਲਫਾਲਫਾ (alfalfa), ਲੂਸਰਨ (lucern) |
| Gujarati | અલ્ફાલ્ફા / લ્યુસર્ન |
| Marathi | अल्फाल्फा / लूसर्न / विलायती गवत |
| Tamil | அல்ஃபல்ஃபா (alfalfa) |
| Telugu | అల్ఫాల్ఫా |
| Kannada | ಅಲ್ಫಾಲ್ಫಾ |
| Bengali | আলফালফা |
| Urdu (also widely used) | الفالفا / لوسرن / لوسن |
Pakistani cultivar selection for Indian climate zones
| Indian region | Climate | Recommended cultivar profile |
|---|
| Punjab, Haryana, western UP | Indo-Gangetic plain | Cold-tolerant + heat-tolerant mix |
| Rajasthan, western Gujarat | Arid hot | Heat-tolerant + drought-resistant |
| Maharashtra, MP, Karnataka | Subtropical | Heat-tolerant |
| Himachal, Uttarakhand, J&K hills | Highland temperate | Cold-tolerant |
| Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Telangana | Tropical / subtropical | Heat-tolerant + drought-resistant |
| Bengal, Odisha, NE India | Tropical humid | Heat-tolerant (limited applicability) |
RFQ template for Indian buyers
Send via WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 for 24 business-hour reply.
Alfalfa seed RFQ - India
Company name: ___
State and destination port: ___
Tonnage: ___ MT
Target arrival month: ___
Intended use: dairy cooperative / private dairy / buffalo dairy / sprouting / smallholder / research
Cultivar preference: cold-tolerant / heat-tolerant / drought-resistant / let KOHENOOR recommend
Documentation: standard / non-GMO LoG / fumigation
Routing preference: direct sea / third-country transhipment
Payment arrangement: discuss
WhatsApp: ___
Email: ___
India dairy industry context
India is the world's largest milk producer with over 220 million tonnes annual production. The cooperative dairy model (Amul, Mother Dairy, Nandini, Aavin, Verka, and others) under the National Dairy Development Board's Operation Flood is the largest organized dairy structure in any country. FAO and OECD dairy outlook reports regularly highlight India's dominant role in global dairy production.
The forage demand to support this dairy production is substantial. Government programs (National Dairy Plan, RKVY, and state-level schemes) promote improved forage cultivation including alfalfa (rijka).
Frequently asked questions
Can Pakistan export alfalfa seed to India?
India-Pakistan bilateral trade is subject to government policy and may be restricted at given times. When direct trade is restricted, KOHENOOR works with Indian buyers via third-country routing (typically through Dubai or Singapore transhipment). WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 to discuss current routing options for your specific Indian import requirement.
What is the local Indian name for alfalfa?
Multiple local names: रिजका (rijka) in Hindi/Punjabi (most common Indian agricultural term), विलायती गावत (vilayati gawat - 'foreign grass'), लूसर्न (lucern), or अल्फाल्फा (alfalfa transliteration). Same plant - Medicago sativa. ICAR scientific literature also uses the English name 'alfalfa' or 'lucerne'.
Does India already produce alfalfa seed domestically?
Yes. ICAR-affiliated research institutes and state seed corporations multiply alfalfa cultivars suited to Indian conditions. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra are major Indian producing states. Imports from KOHENOOR complement domestic supply for specific cultivars or to bridge supply gaps.
What is the MOQ for Indian buyers?
1 metric ton trial accepted FOB Karachi. 20-25 MT (one container) preferred for best FOB rate.
What sea transit is available from Karachi to Indian ports?
Direct sea: Mundra (3-5 days), Kandla (4-6 days), Nhava Sheva (5-8 days) - subject to bilateral trade policy. Third-country routing via Dubai or Singapore: 15-30 days subject to transhipment schedule.
Are KOHENOOR alfalfa seeds non-GMO?
Yes. Pakistan does not commercially cultivate GMO alfalfa.
Pakistan Department of Plant Protection confirms non-GMO status. Letter of Guarantee against GMO available free on request - important for Indian customs and the Indian organic / non-GMO food chain.
Which Pakistani cultivars suit Indian dairy regions?
For Punjab, Haryana, western UP: cold-tolerant + heat-tolerant mixed selections. For Rajasthan and western Gujarat: heat-tolerant + drought-resistant. For Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir: cold-tolerant for highland regions. WhatsApp us with your specific state and we will recommend appropriate cultivar.
What documentation accompanies shipments to India?
Does India's plant quarantine authority accept Pakistani phytosanitary?
India's Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS) maintains specific entry requirements for seed imports. Phytosanitary Certificate from
Pakistan Department of Plant Protection typically meets the international format. Subject to current bilateral trade conditions, Indian importers coordinate with DPPQS for specific entry point inspection.
Can KOHENOOR provide alfalfa seed for the Indian cooperative dairy sector?
KOHENOOR's wholesale supply is suited to Indian cooperative dairy procurement programs, large private dairy operators, and government forage development programs. WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 to discuss your specific procurement program.
What payment terms are available for Indian buyers?
Payment terms depend on the routing structure. For direct bilateral trade (subject to government policy): 100% TT against scan copy of BL, or Irrevocable LC at sight. For third-country routing: coordinated via the transhipment / intermediary bank structure. WhatsApp to discuss your specific arrangement.
How does India-Pakistan trade policy affect alfalfa seed imports?
Bilateral trade between India and Pakistan is subject to government policy and historically has had periods of full operation, partial restriction, and full restriction. KOHENOOR works flexibly with Indian buyers based on current policy. When direct bilateral is restricted, third-country routing (Dubai, Singapore, UAE, Oman) is the standard alternative. Current policy status should be verified at the time of order.
Does ICAR or state agriculture universities source international alfalfa cultivars for research?
Indian agricultural research institutions (ICAR, state agriculture universities, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute) may source international alfalfa cultivars for cultivar evaluation, breeding programs, or comparative trials. KOHENOOR can supply Pakistani-origin reference cultivars for such research purposes - typically as small lots (1 MT or less) with full ISTA documentation.
Are Pakistani alfalfa seeds suitable for Indian organic dairy programs?
Yes. KOHENOOR offers organic-certified alfalfa seed production through dedicated organic stream (5 MT MOQ, 60-90 day lead time). Certification body holds equivalence with major international organic standards including the Indian National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) where applicable. Reference
IFOAM Organics International for global organic standards alignment.
Can KOHENOOR ship to Indian importers via Dubai or Singapore?
Yes. Third-country routing via Dubai (Jebel Ali) or Singapore transhipment is commonly used when direct bilateral trade is restricted. The buyer's freight forwarder handles the transhipment leg. KOHENOOR ships FOB Karachi to the transhipment port. WhatsApp +92 310 4929292 to coordinate routing.
Industry sources and authority references
This page references the following international authority sources for buyer reference: