Napier grass is one of the important perennial tropical forage crop belong to family Poaceae.The grass grows tall and forms large clumps like bamboo.It produces huge biomass and can be harvested multiple times in a year which making it a good raw material.Napier grass is an improved fodder grass that produces a lot of high-protein forage. It is also known as "elephant grass", "Sudan grass" or "king grass". Its botanical name is Pennisetum purpureum.Napier grass is best suited to high rainfall areas, but it is drought-tolerant and can also grow well in drier areas. It does not grow well in waterlogged areas. It can be grown along with fodder trees along field boundaries or along contour lines or terrace risers to help control erosion. It can be intercropped with crops such as legumes and fodder trees, or as a pure stand.Advantages 1.Napier grass is propagated easily. 2.It has deep roots, so is fairly drought-resistant.3.The tender, young leaves and stems are very palatable for livestock.4.Napier grass grows very fast. How to Grow:Napier grass is best grown in warm, tropical and subtropical regions. And grows well up to an altitude of 2000 m from sea level. Generally it perform very well at temperature ranging from 25 to 40 degree celsius.Preparation of Mother bed and sowing to seeds and get ready for planting materials then do following method for planting.Crop may be harvested 50 days after planting seed. It may be used for pasture or may be cut and used for fodder later. This grass is susceptible to overgrazing.Trials in India gave yields of 29–48 tons green herbage/ha in 2 or 3 cuttings. Cultivated as fodder in India and other countries.
