Panaji: As rising temperatures mount pressure on traditional farming systems, a growing number of farmers in Goa are turning to climate-resilient fodder crops to boost livestock productivity and reduce input costs.
Among them is progressive farmer Prashant Rane from Keri, who adopted organic methods to cultivate Super Napier grass. Rane grows fodder on 1.5 acres of land not only to meet livestock requirements but also to supply surplus to neighbouring farmers. He prepares silage of stored fermented fodder that ensures availability when fresh grass is scarce.
Super Napier Grass: A Perennial Solution
Senior scientist and head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, N Bommayasamy, stated that Super Napier is a perennial hybrid grass and it continues to perform with minimal irrigation support in intense summers. The crop typically takes about 75 days for the first harvest and can be cut every 40-45 days. It can produce between 300 and 500 metric tonnes of green fodder per hectare annually, making it a reliable feed source.
“Continuous availability of nutritious fodder helps sustain animal productivity while reducing reliance on expensive concentrate feeds. This directly lowers the cost of milk production,” Bommayasamy told TOI. The scientists emphasise that integrating Super Napier grass with seasonal fodder crops, legumes and fodder trees, as well as with silage-making, can create a robust fodder system.
High Biomass and Nutritional Benefits
Sanjay Udharwar, subject matter specialist (animal science) at ICAR Goa, said that the grass has high biomass yield of 400-500 tonnes per hectare, rapid growth, multiple harvests of 6-7 cuttings per year, high leaf-to-stem ratio and suitability to the hot and humid climatic conditions of Goa. Regular feeding of green fodder ensures balanced nutrition, which in turn improves milk yield and overall livestock productivity. “Farmers also report fewer breeding issues and better herd health when consistent fodder is available,” Udharwar added.
