Field Day on Year-Round Green Fodder Production Using Super Napier Grass

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, goa organised a field day on Field Day on Year-Round Green Fodder Production Using Super Napier Grass at Keri in Valpoi taluka of North Goa on 21.04.2026.The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Goa Dairy, Department of Agriculture and ATMA North Goa. It aimed to showcase improved fodder production technologies, create awareness on the importance of green fodder in dairy farming, and promote the adoption of high-yielding perennial fodder crops for sustainable livestock production.

Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, North Goa highlighted the significance of year-round green fodder production in ensuring a continuous supply of nutritious feed for livestock across all seasons. He emphasised that such practices help maintain animal health and productivity while reducing dependence on costly concentrate feeds, thereby lowering the cost of milk production. He also stressed the importance of integrating seasonal fodder crops, annual and perennial legumes, fodder trees and silage making to ensure round-the-year fodder availability.

Dr. S.V. Udharwar, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science), elaborated on the cultivation practices of Super Napier, including planting techniques, nutrient management, irrigation and harvesting and various preservation technologies. He highlighted its advantages such as 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. He further explained the role of green fodder in improving animal health, digestion and milk yield.

Progressive farmer Mr. Prashant Rane from Keri shared his experiences in cultivating Super Napier using organic inputs such as Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut. He informed that he is cultivating fodder on 1.5 acres, meeting his own requirement while selling surplus fodder to neighbouring farmers. He also prepares silage to ensure feed availability during lean periods, under the guidance of KVK North Goa.

The field day provided an effective platform for farmer-scientistinteraction. Farmers observed the crop performance in the field, clarified their queries and expressed satisfaction with the demonstrated technology. Many participants showed keen interest in adopting Super Napier cultivation.A total of 29 farmers, including 28 men and one woman, participated in the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. K.R. Nivya, SMS (Floriculture and Landscaping). The programme was coordinated by Dr. S.V. Udharwar, Dr. N. Bommayasamy and Dr. K.R. Nivya.