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Bullet Napier and hybrid Napier fodders

Bajra-Napier hybrids are interspecific crosses between pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum, now Cenchrus purpureus). They are the dominant high-biomass green-fodder option for Indian dairy farms, with the cultivar group encompassing the ICAR Co-(BN) series, IGFRI hybrids, and commercial selections marketed as Bullet Napier, 4G Bullet and Red Napier. ICAR-IGFRI Jhansi maintains the national germplasm collection.

Key characteristics

  • Parentage: Pennisetum glaucum x Pennisetum purpureum interspecific hybrid.
  • Growth habit: tall, tufted perennial grass producing thick canes 2-4 m tall.
  • Stand life: 6-8 years from a single planting.
  • Crude protein: 8-10% on dry-matter basis at the recommended cutting stage.
  • Green-fodder yield: 150-300 tonnes per hectare per year under irrigated, well-fertilised management.

Cultivation

Hybrid Napier is propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings (two-to-three-node setts) or by rooted slips, planted at approximately 25,000 plants per hectare on ridges or in pits. A first cut is taken at 70-90 days after planting; subsequent cuts follow every 40-60 days. The crop responds strongly to nitrogen and to a cleaning irrigation after each cut. Cutting height is held at about 15 cm above ground to preserve the basal buds and stand longevity. Intercropping with hedge lucerne (Hedge Lucerne Velimasal) or other legumes raises the protein content of the green-fodder mix.

Pest and disease profile

The crop is relatively hardy. Foliar diseases such as Helminthosporium leaf blight and stem borers can appear under high humidity; clean planting material and balanced fertilisation mitigate both. Long-term yield decline after six to eight years signals time to replant from fresh setts.

Adoption and use

Hybrid Napier is the primary green fodder under dairy buffaloes such as Murrah Buffalo and high-yielding crossbred cattle (Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cow). It is typically fed chopped at 15-25 kg per adult animal per day alongside a concentrate ration (Concentrate Feed Mix Dairy) and dry fodder. Pakchong-derived super-Napier selections (Super Napier Fodder) and maize fodder (Maize Fodder) are common complementary options on the same farms.

See also: Hedge Lucerne Velimasal.

References

  1. Forage Production. vikaspedia agriculture portal (NDDB / ICAR-IGFRI).