ICAR-CCARI, Goa Organises Field Day on Year-Round Green Fodder Production Using Super Napier Grass

21 April 2026, Goa

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 today. 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.

The importance of year-round green fodder production in ensuring a continuous supply of nutritious feed for livestock across all seasons was highlighted. It was emphasized that such practices help maintain animal health and productivity while reducing dependence on costly concentrate feeds, thereby lowering the cost of milk production. The need to integrate seasonal fodder crops, annual and perennial legumes, fodder trees, and silage making for ensuring round-the-year fodder availability was also highlighted.

The cultivation practices of Super Napier, including planting techniques, nutrient management, irrigation, harvesting, and preservation methods, were elaborated. Its advantages, such as high biomass yield, rapid growth, multiple harvests, high leaf-to-stem ratio, and suitability to hot and humid climatic conditions, were highlighted. The role of green fodder in improving animal health, digestion, and milk yield was also emphasized.

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-scientist interaction. 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.

(Source: ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa)