1. Origin:
Napier grass (
Pennisetum purpureum), commonly known as Elephant Grass, originated in tropical sub-Saharan Africa. Due to its vigorous growth and adaptability, it has been introduced across various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is widely used for forage, especially in areas focusing on dairy development programs, thanks to its high biomass yield and digestibility.
2. Geographical Distribution in India:
In India, Napier grass is cultivated extensively in dairy-farming regions. The major states include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. It is also being promoted in eastern and northeastern states to support small-scale dairy farmers. The suitability of Napier to a wide range of climatic zones makes it one of the most reliable fodder crops in India.
3. Economic Importance:
Napier grass plays a critical role in livestock-based economies. It provides nutritious, palatable, and continuous green fodder throughout the year. Its high protein content (8–12%) enhances milk yield and animal health. The grass is often used in integrated farming systems and has great potential for reducing feed costs. Additionally, its strong and fibrous root system makes it ideal for preventing soil erosion and rehabilitating degraded lands.
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Napier grass performs best in deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soils with good moisture-holding capacity. It is tolerant of a wide pH range (5.5 to 8.0), but optimal growth occurs around neutral pH. It prefers tropical and subtropical climates and is well-suited for areas receiving 1000–2000 mm of rainfall annually. The ideal temperature for growth ranges between 25°C and 35°C, though it can tolerate mild drought and short frost periods.
5. Land Preparation:
Land should be ploughed 2–3 times to a fine tilth to allow easy root establishment. Remove weeds, stones, and stubbles. Incorporate 15–20 tons/ha of well-decomposed Farmyard Manure (FYM) or compost at the time of land preparation. Raised beds or ridges are preferred in high rainfall areas to avoid waterlogging.
6. Varieties Developed in India:
Improved and high-yielding Napier varieties have been developed for different agro-climatic conditions:
- CO-1: Early maturing and high-yielding
- CO-2: Suitable for coastal regions
- CO-3: Less hairy, suitable for direct cattle feeding
- CO (BN) 5: Drought-tolerant with high leaf:stem ratio
- IGFRI-3: Developed by IGFRI, Jhansi, tolerant to pests
- NB-21: Resistant to lodging, suitable for multiple cuts
- Hybrid Napier: Cross between Bajra and Napier, vigorous, tall, and productive
7. Propagation & Seed Requirement:
Napier is propagated vegetatively since it rarely sets viable seed. It is commonly propagated using:
- Stem cuttings: 2–3 node cuttings from healthy mature stems
- Root slips: Small rooted divisions from established clumps
About 40,000 stem cuttings or 33,000 root slips per hectare are required, planted at spacing of 60 × 60 cm or 75 × 50 cm depending on soil fertility and irrigation availability.
8. Sowing Time:
The best time to plant Napier is at the onset of monsoon (June–July) under rainfed conditions. In irrigated areas, planting can be done during February–March or September. Planting during cooler months or extreme summer should be avoided due to poor establishment.
9. Cropping Systems:
Napier is suitable for both monocropping and intercropping systems. It is often intercropped with legumes like:
This enhances fodder quality by increasing protein content and also helps in nitrogen fixation, reducing fertilizer needs.
10. Fertilizer Requirements:
Napier is a nutrient-exhaustive crop and requires timely nutrient application for sustained productivity.
- Basal dose: 75 kg Nitrogen (N), 50 kg Phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 40 kg Potassium (K₂O) per hectare
- Top dressing: 75 kg N/ha after every harvest to boost regrowth
- Organic input: Apply 10–15 tons of FYM or compost annually
11. Irrigation & Water Requirements:
Irrigation should be scheduled every 7–10 days during summer and every 15 days in cooler months. Watering should be increased during dry spells and reduced during the rainy season. Avoid waterlogging by providing proper drainage, as it affects root health.
12. Weed Management:
Weed control is important during the early establishment phase:
- Manual weeding or hoeing 2–3 times within the first 2 months
- Pre-emergence herbicide like Atrazine @ 1 kg/ha can be used
- Once canopy develops, Napier suppresses most weeds naturally
13. Diseases and Insect Pests & Their Management:
Common Diseases:
- Leaf Spot: Brown lesions appear on leaves; controlled by spraying Mancozeb 0.25% at 10–15 day intervals
- Rust: Orange pustules on the underside of leaves; managed with Propiconazole 0.1%
Major Pests:
- Stem Borers: Cause hollow stems and dead heart; use Carbofuran granules or spray Quinalphos 0.05%
- Aphids and Thrips: Suck sap and stunt growth; controlled by Imidacloprid 0.3 ml/litre spray
14. Harvesting & Management:
The first harvest is taken 60–75 days after planting. Subsequent harvests are taken every 45–60 days depending on growth. Always cut the crop 5–10 cm above the ground to encourage tillering and prolong the productive life of the crop, which can last up to 3–4 years with good care.
15. Yield of Crop:
Under optimal conditions and good management:
- Green fodder yield: 300–400 quintals per hectare per year
- Number of harvests: 6 to 8 harvests annually
Yield varies depending on variety, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
16. Post-Harvest Operations & Preservation:
After harvest:
- Fodder should be chopped into 1–2 inch pieces to ease cattle digestion
- Excess fodder can be converted into silage for use during dry periods
- Silage should be made in airtight pits or containers with proper compaction and covering
Properly stored silage retains nutrients and can be used up to 6–12 months.
