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Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State govt now promoting napier grass cultivation
1 2 3 Prayagraj: In an attempt to increase the income of farmers, the state govt is promoting the cultivation of napier grass across UP. The govt also moved to offer lucrative grants to stakeholders. The state govt, under its fodder security policy, has launched a campaign to increase milk productivity per animal along with providing green and dry fodder throughout the year for cattle, sheep, goats, etc., to increase livestock. For this, the state govt is encouraging progressive farmers and fodder-producing organisations to cultivate hybrid Napier grass. Chief veterinary officer (Prayagraj), Dr SN Yadav, said, "In a first, the state govt came with a buy-back scheme in the Prayagraj region, giving a grant of Rs 20,000 per hectare to encourage the cultivation of Napier grass. Under this, the govt will also provide the root of hybrid napier grass to the beneficiaries and then buy it from them at twice the price." The process of selecting 10 beneficiaries of the district has already started. These beneficiaries can be farmers, farmer producer organisations with nurseries, self-help groups, or people running cowsheds. After buying Napier grass from these beneficiaries, the govt will provide its hybrid roots to farmers to cultivate this napier grass in large quantities. Farmers can use it as green fodder for their cattle. Especially for milk-producing animals, it is no less than green gold because this protein-rich green fodder increases the milk of animals. Dairy owners usually buy dry husk at the rate of Rs 12 per kg, but the cost of production of this green fodder is just 50 paise per kg. Through the plans, farmers can earn thousands of rupees every month by selling it to the owners of dairy farms. Napier grass is a grass that looks like sugarcane and is originally found in Thailand. Napier grass can also be grown on barren land and on the boundaries of fields. Its specialty is that it gets ready in just 20-25 days with the help of water only. About 300-400 quintals of grass are produced from one acre. After harvesting, its branches start growing again automatically. In this way, once planted, it can be produced for ten years. This was the prime reason that it is called a crop of high income at low cost, which becomes economically beneficial for farmers and cattle rearers.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Hybrid Napier grass scheme to be expanded to Prayagraj to boost fodder, livestock productivity
In a move aimed at improving fodder availability and enhancing livestock productivity, the Uttar Pradesh government is expanding its innovative fodder initiative to Prayagraj district. For the first time, the scheme will include a substantial subsidy to promote the cultivation of hybrid Napier grass—a high-yield, protein-rich fodder crop. Hybrid Napier grass in a field (For Representation only) Part of the state's broader fodder security policy, the initiative seeks to ensure the year-round availability of both green and dry fodder for cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. The ultimate goal is to increase milk production and strengthen rural livelihoods. Chief veterinary officer of Prayagraj, Dr SN Yadav, confirmed that a buy-back scheme is being launched in the district to encourage Napier grass cultivation. Under the programme, farmers will receive a subsidy of ₹ 20,000 per hectare. Additionally, the government will provide hybrid Napier root cuttings to selected beneficiaries and later buy back the produce at double the market price. 'This is the first time such a scheme is being implemented in Prayagraj. The selection process for the initial 10 beneficiaries is already underway,' Dr Yadav said. Eligible participants include individual farmers, nursery owners, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), self-help groups (SHGs) and managers of cow shelters (gaushalas). Already operational in districts like Hamirpur and Bahraich, the scheme is expected to transform the rural economy by encouraging farmers to adopt Napier grass cultivation. Officials have described the initiative as planting 'the seeds of prosperity — one blade of Napier grass at a time.' Once the initial harvest is procured, the government plans to distribute the root cuttings more widely, encouraging large-scale adoption across the state. High in protein, Napier grass is particularly beneficial for dairy animals, significantly boosting milk yield. 'For dairy farmers, Napier is nothing short of green gold,' officials stated. Compared to dry fodder, which costs around ₹ 12 per kilogram, Napier grass can be grown at just 50 paise per kilogram, enabling farmers to sell green fodder competitively while generating a stable income. Native to Thailand and resembling sugarcane, the grass thrives on both fertile and marginal land — even along field boundaries. Napier matures in just 20–25 days with minimal water, producing 300–400 quintals per acre. Once planted, it regenerates from stalks and remains productive for up to 10 years, making it a low-cost, high-yield, and sustainable option for fodder cultivation.
