Cultivation of farmer's favorite Hybrid Napier grass

Hybrid Napier grass is a perennial grass that is highly productive and drought-resistant. It is a good source of protein and energy for livestock, and it can be grown in a variety of climates and soils. Hybrid Napier grass is a good choice for cultivation during the draught season in India, as it can withstand periods of low rainfall.

Cultivation practices

To cultivate hybrid Napier grass during the draught season in India, it is important to follow the following practices:

• Select a drought-tolerant variety. There are several drought-tolerant varieties of hybrid Napier grass available, such as CO(CN) 4 and CO(BN) 5.
• Prepare the land properly. The land should be deep plowed and harrowed to remove weeds and loosen the soil. If the soil is acidic, lime should be applied to raise the pH to between 6.5 and 7.5. Farmyard manure or compost can be applied to improve the soil fertility.
• Plant the slips or rooted cuttings at a depth of 5-7 cm and at a spacing of 60 x 50 cm.
• Irrigate the crop regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate moderate drought.
• Fertilize the crop at regular intervals. The recommended dose of fertilizers is 120-150 kg nitrogen/ha, 60-75 kg phosphorus/ha, and 60-75 kg potassium/ha. Half of the nitrogen should be applied as basal dose and the remaining half should be applied as top dressing at 30 days after planting. The full dose of phosphorus and potassium should be applied as basal dose.
• Harvest the crop at the milk stage of maturity. The crop can be harvested every 30-40 days.

Tips for managing hybrid Napier grass during the draught season

• Mulch the crop to reduce evaporation and conserve moisture.
• Irrigate the crop deeply but less frequently. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper, making the crop more drought-tolerant.
• Apply fertilizers sparingly, as too much fertilizer can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to drought.
• Harvest the crop at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground to promote regrowth.

By following these practices, farmers can successfully cultivate hybrid Napier grass during the draught season in India and provide their livestock with a nutritious and drought-resistant fodder crop.