1. Biomass Production:
o Napier grass is a fast-growing perennial grass that can reach a height of 10-15 feet.
o It can be harvested 5-6 times annually, with the first harvest occurring four months after planting, followed by subsequent harvests every two months for up to seven years.
o In India, the reported annual production yield of Napier grass ranges from 150-200 tonnes per acre per year, significantly higher than other energy grasses like miscanthus and switchgrass.
2. Composition:
o Napier grass is categorized as lignocellulosic biomass.
o Its carbohydrate composition typically consists of:
35-39% cellulose
19-23% xylan
15-19% lignin (on a dry mass basis).
3. Energy Potential:
o With an energy output-to-input ratio of approximately 25:1, Napier grass emerges as one of the most promising energy crops for creating cost-effective and efficient bioenergy systems.
o Due to its significant cellulose and xylan content, Napier grass holds promise as a viable source for biogas production.
o When its structure undergoes hydrolysis, it breaks down into monomeric sugars that can be utilized as substrates for microbial activity.
o It exhibits numerous favourable attributes as an energy crop, including a short growth cycle, a relatively high methane content, and a high level of water use efficiency.
o Additionally, Napier grass promises a high content of easily digestible organic matter, along with high yields and the ability to withstand drought conditions.
o These qualities make it an excellent feedstock for anaerobic digestion processes.
4. High Yields:
o Specific varieties, such as the hybrid variety called Super Napier, have shown even higher yields. For instance, a farmer in Maharashtra’s Gondia district achieved biomass productivity of 350-400 tonnes per acre per year with Super Napier.
5. Bio-CNG Potential:
o Napier grass is ideal for use as a feedstock for bio-CNG plants.
o India has abundant Napier grass feedstock, approximately 150-200 tonnes per acre.
6. Fodder Usage:
o Traditionally used as green fodder for elephants, Napier grass is now being successfully used as green fodder for cows and other animals in some states of India
