Manipur farmer pioneers Napier Grass cultivation, offers sustainable alternative to costly livestock feed

A young farmer from Thoubal district of Manipur has successfully introduced and popularised Napier grass cultivation, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercially imported livestock feed.

Sapam Milan, a farmer from Chingkha Khongjom, began experimenting with Napier grass cultivation in 2020 to address the persistent shortage of livestock feed in the state. Five years on, his initiative has not only borne fruit but has also inspired hundreds of farmers to adopt the practice, reducing dependence on external feed supplies.

Livestock farming remains a crucial livelihood activity in Manipur, largely practiced at both household and small commercial levels. However, the state’s heavy reliance on imported feed has long posed economic and logistical challenges, particularly during frequent disruptions such as national highway blockades. These interruptions often lead to acute shortages, escalating costs, and significant hardship for farmers.

Motivated by his own struggles as a poultry farmer, Milan turned to digital platforms to explore alternatives. After learning about the benefits of Napier grass—a high-yield fodder widely used in parts of India and Southeast Asia—he sourced planting material from states like Gujarat and Rajasthan and began cultivating it on a small patch of land.

Despite limited initial knowledge and logistical hurdles, including the difficulty of transporting viable planting stems over long distances, Milan persisted. His experimental cultivation has now evolved into a successful model, with the grass thriving in Manipur’s moisture-rich conditions.

Today, Milan cultivates five different varieties of Napier grass tailored for various livestock, including goats and poultry. While a portion of the produce supports his own farming activities, he has also begun supplying stems for propagation to other farmers. According to him, nearly 500 livestock farmers have already procured Napier stems, many of whom are now cultivating the grass independently.

The impact has been tangible. Farmers who adopted Napier grass report reduced feed costs and improved livestock productivity. One such farmer noted that an initial trial with just ten stems led to noticeable improvements, prompting a shift to bulk cultivation.

Napier grass, also known as elephant grass, is a fast-growing, high-biomass forage crop native to Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Its ability to regenerate quickly and yield substantial green fodder within three to four months makes it an attractive option for livestock farmers.

Encouraged by the growing demand, Milan is now planning to expand his cultivation area. However, he acknowledges financial constraints as a major hurdle and has called for institutional support to scale up the initiative. He has also urged agricultural experts and botanists in the state to conduct further research on the adaptability and potential of Napier grass in Manipur’s agro-climatic conditions.

Beyond farming, Milan advocates for a shift in societal mindset, encouraging youth to explore entrepreneurship and self-reliance rather than relying solely on government employment.

His efforts, though modest in scale, underline the transformative potential of local innovation in addressing systemic challenges. If supported and replicated widely, Napier grass cultivation could play a pivotal role in strengthening Manipur’s livestock sector and reducing its dependence on costly imports.

The story has been produced under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal. For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at prmmcell@gmail.com