Napier Grass Farming Campaign Gains Momentum in Uttar Pradesh

A revolutionary campaign promoting Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus), also known as Elephant Grass, is transforming the agricultural landscape in Uttar Pradesh. This African-origin grass, valued for its nutritional benefits and ease of cultivation, is becoming a game-changer for livestock farmers, with some reporting a fourfold increase in income.

Campaign Spearheaded by Dr. Dinesh Chandra Singh

Dr. Dinesh Chandra Singh, the current District Magistrate of Jaunpur and former DM of Bahraich and Saharanpur, has been instrumental in promoting Napier grass cultivation. Inspired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative began in Bahraich in 2022 to support stray and domestic cattle. It has since expanded to Saharanpur and Jaunpur, gaining widespread adoption among farmers.

On Friday, Dr. Singh visited Ahan village in Jaunpur’s Kerakat tehsil, where he honored farmer Surendra Yadav and his mother with ceremonial shawls for their success in Napier grass farming. Yadav, who produces over one quintal of milk daily through livestock rearing, has quadrupled his income by cultivating this grass.

Why Napier Grass?

Napier grass, resembling sugarcane due to its tall stature, is a highly nutritious green fodder with 14-15% protein and 70% fiber, surpassing traditional fodder. Its benefits include:

• Low Cultivation Costs: Requires minimal resources and is ready for harvest in just 60 days.

• Longevity: Once planted, it provides fodder for up to 5 years.

• Versatility: Thrives in nearly all weather conditions, ensuring a consistent fodder supply.

• Health Benefits: Enhances dairy animal health, boosting milk production.

• Commercial Viability: Farmers can sell it as green fodder for substantial profits.

Success Stories

In Jaunpur, Surendra Yadav’s family has integrated Napier grass into their livestock rearing, achieving significant financial success. In Bahraich, farmers like Ram Nivas Singh (Patupur village), Vinod Singh (Shekhapur), and Arjun Tiwari (Mainapur) adopted the grass in 2022, inspiring others to follow suit. In Saharanpur, Dr. Singh encouraged Gaushala operators to maximize its cultivation.

The Bahraich model, praised by then-Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak in 2022, has been proposed for statewide implementation.

During Friday’s visit to Ahan village, Dr. Singh, accompanied by SDM Kerakat Sunil Bharti and other officials, commended farmers for their innovative green fodder management. He emphasized the campaign’s alignment with the state’s vision for agricultural and livestock prosperity.

Dr. Singh urged farmers across Uttar Pradesh to adopt Napier grass cultivation, highlighting its potential to enhance income and support livestock health. With the sowing season approaching, now is the ideal time for farmers to embrace this sustainable and profitable crop.

The Napier grass campaign is proving to be a boon for Uttar Pradesh’s farmers, offering a low-cost, high-return solution for livestock fodder. As more farmers join the movement, the state is poised for greater agricultural and economic growth.