Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus), or Elephant Grass, is one of the most productive fodder crops for dairy farmers. Its high yield, nutrient-rich foliage, and year-round availability make it a reliable source of green feed, supporting milk production and livestock health. This guide provides detailed technical instructions for successful cultivation.
1. Climate and Soil Requirements
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; warm weather |
| Temperature | 25°C – 35°C |
| Soil Type | Fertile, well-drained loamy soil; tolerates light clay or sandy soils |
| pH | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Rainfall | 800–1200 mm/year; tolerates moderate drought |
Tip: Adequate sunlight and warmth are critical. In shaded or low-temperature areas, growth and yield may reduce.
2. Planting Methods
Napier grass is propagated using stem cuttings or root slips. Seeds are not commonly used due to low germination and slower growth.
Stem Cutting Method
Select healthy, mature stems with 2–3 nodes.
Cut into 30–40 cm lengths.
Plant vertically or horizontally with 1–2 nodes buried in soil.
Spacing: 60 cm between rows, 30 cm between plants.
Root Slip Method
Uproot established plants and separate roots with shoots.
Plant slips in prepared beds with the same spacing.
Best Time to Plant: Just before or during the monsoon for adequate initial water supply.
3. Land Preparation
Plough the field 2–3 times for soil aeration.
Remove all weeds and crop residues.
Add well-rotted farmyard manure or compost (10–15 tonnes per hectare) to improve fertility.
Level the field and form ridges for planting, especially in irrigated areas.
Tip: Good land preparation ensures faster root establishment and higher yields.
4. Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
Napier grass is a nutrient-demanding crop, especially for nitrogen.
| Fertilizer Type | Application Time | Quantity per hectare |
|---|---|---|
| Farmyard manure | At planting | 10–15 tonnes |
| Urea (N) | Split doses after each cutting | 150–200 kg |
| DAP (P & K) | At planting | 50–75 kg |
Tip: Apply fertilizers after harvesting to promote quick regrowth. Split nitrogen doses ensure continuous growth.
5. Irrigation
Initial Stage: Water every 2–3 days until roots establish.
Established Crop: Water weekly, or as per soil moisture.
Use drip or sprinkler irrigation for water efficiency.
Avoid waterlogging as it can damage roots.
Tip: Mulching can reduce water loss in hot climates.
6. Weed Management
Light weeding during the first 30 days.
As Napier grass grows dense, it naturally suppresses weeds.
Manual weeding or light hoeing recommended for small plots.
Pre-emergence herbicides can be used cautiously in large fields.
7. Harvesting
First Cut: 60–75 days after planting.
Subsequent Cuts: Every 45–60 days depending on growth.
Optimal Height: 1.2–1.5 meters.
Harvesting Method: Manual with sickle or mechanical cutter for large farms.
Tip: Harvesting at the right height ensures palatability and encourages multiple regrowth cycles.
8. Expected Yield
| Management | Cuttings per Year | Green Fodder Yield per Hectare |
|---|---|---|
| Good management | 6–8 | 250–300 tonnes |
| Moderate management | 5–6 | 200–220 tonnes |
| Poor management | 4–5 | 150–180 tonnes |
Tip: Timely cutting, proper fertilization, and irrigation maximize fodder production.
9. Nutritional Benefits for Livestock
Napier grass provides:
High dry matter content
Digestible energy for milk production
Balanced nutrients for cattle, buffaloes, and goats
Can be mixed with legume fodders (cowpea, lucerne) for a more balanced diet.
Advantages for Farmers:
Reduces dependency on costly feed or low-quality grass.
Improves milk yield and animal health.
Fits cut-and-carry systems, reducing grazing pressure on common lands.
10. Integrated Management Tips
Rotate planting in different plots to ensure continuous fodder supply.
Apply micro-nutrients like zinc and boron if deficiency symptoms appear.
Monitor for pests such as stem borers or leaf-eating caterpillars and control using integrated pest management (IPM).
Keep records of cutting schedules, yields, and fertilizer usage to improve management efficiency.
11. Economic Returns (Approximate)
| Input | Cost per Hectare (INR) |
|---|---|
| Farmyard manure | 10,000 |
| Fertilizers & chemicals | 8,000–10,000 |
| Labor & irrigation | 15,000 |
| Total | 33,000–35,000 |
Revenue (from 250–300 t green fodder): INR 1,00,000–1,20,000 (if sold as fresh fodder)
Net Profit: INR 65,000–85,000 per hectare per year
Tip: Returns increase if fodder is used directly to boost milk production, reducing feed costs.
12. Conclusion
Napier grass is not just fodder—it is a highly profitable, sustainable solution for dairy farmers. With:
Proper planting techniques
Balanced nutrient management
Efficient irrigation and harvesting
…farmers can achieve high yields, improved livestock health, and increased dairy income.
For farmers aiming to secure a sustainable dairy future, Napier grass is truly a green treasure worth cultivating.