MUMBAI, 15 July 2025: India’s pursuit of clean energy and sustainable farming is sparking a silent revolution — not in flashy solar panels or wind turbines, but in humble, fast-growing biomass crops. Leading this charge is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Elephant Grass, a high-yield, pest-resistant, and low-maintenance crop that’s rapidly gaining popularity among Indian farmers.
As India aims to increase its share of bioenergy to meet net-zero goals and boost rural incomes, biomass farming is no longer a fringe experiment — it’s a mainstream opportunity. Among all the options, Napier grass stands out for its resilience, fast growth, and market linkages.
The Biomass Champion: Napier Grass
What Makes Napier Special?
Biomass Yield: 200–250 tons/ha/year (under irrigated conditions)
Harvest Frequency: 4–6 cuts per year
Growth Cycle: Ready for first cut in 60–75 days
Pest Resistance: Naturally pest-tolerant, reducing need for pesticides
Carbon Sequestration: Absorbs 25–40 tons of CO₂ per hectare annually
Napier is a perennial tropical grass that thrives in a wide range of soils and climates. Once planted, it can be harvested multiple times a year for 10–12 years with proper maintenance.
According to ICAR and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Napier outperforms most biomass crops in both fodder quality and biofuel potential.
Growth Outlook: India’s Biomass Market Is Booming
India's National Bio-Energy Mission targets 10 GW of biomass power by 2030, and the demand for raw material like Napier is soaring.
Key Drivers:
- Biogas & Bio-CNG Plants: Napier is being contracted by energy companies for anaerobic digestion.
- Agri-Waste Substitution: States like Punjab, UP, and Haryana are promoting Napier to reduce stubble burning.
- Fodder Deficit: India faces a 30–40% green fodder deficit; Napier helps bridge this gap.
- Carbon Credits: Projects using Napier qualify for voluntary carbon markets.
- Government-supported bioenergy units and private players are entering long-term buyback agreements with farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), offering assured markets for Napier biomass.
Pest-Free and Farmer-Friendly
Unlike crops like sugarcane or maize, Napier grass is virtually immune to most major pests and diseases. This drastically lowers input costs for:
- Pesticides
- Labor for pest management
- Crop insurance premiums
“After three years of growing paddy, I switched to Napier under contract with a bio-CNG unit,” says Devraj Singh, a farmer from Bareilly. “No pests, no stress — just cut, weigh, and sell.”
Its coarse stems and aromatic oils deter most common pests like stem borers and leafhoppers, making it an ideal low-risk crop.
Local Market & Industrial Demand
Napier is no longer confined to dairy cooperatives. It now feeds three major value chains:
1. Bio-CNG & Biogas Units
Private companies (like GPS Renewables, Verbio India, or Adani Total Gas) are contracting 1000s of acres for Napier cultivation.
A single 5-ton/day CNG plant requires over 15,000 tons of biomass annually.
2. Fodder for Dairy & Goat Farming
Co-operatives like Amul, Nandini, and MILMA use Napier silage extensively.
Napier’s protein-rich leaves (6–9%) are ideal for green fodder blocks and silage production.
3. Compost & Bio-Manure
Farmers use Napier biomass for in-village vermicomposting or organic manure production.
Organic farming clusters in MP and Maharashtra are experimenting with Napier-based compost.
Agro-Ecology Advantage
Napier grass supports sustainable farming goals:
Soil Binding: Prevents erosion on slopes and bunds
Carbon Farming: Helps farmers earn through carbon credits
Crop Diversification: Acts as a buffer crop for marginal lands
Intercropping: Can be grown alongside pulses and legumes
Cost-Benefit Snapshot (Per Acre)
Input Cost (INR)
Planting Material 8,000–10,000
Irrigation (if needed) 3,000–5,000
Labor (annual) 6,000–8,000
Total Cost 20,000–25,000
Annual Yield 400–500 quintals
Revenue (@ ₹2/kg biomass) 80,000–1,00,000
Net Profit 55,000–75,000/acre/year
Challenges & What Farmers Need
Availability of Planting Slips: High-quality CO-4 or CO-5 Napier varieties are in short supply.
Buyback Clarity: Farmers need reliable buyback contracts or FPO support.
Awareness: Most biomass schemes are not well known outside Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
Looking Ahead: A Biomass Revolution in the Making
As India looks to reduce stubble burning, cut methane emissions, and power rural grids with clean energy, biomass crops like Napier offer a triple-win — for farmers, the environment, and energy companies.
Whether for green fodder, carbon credits, or renewable fuel, Napier is shaping up to be the top-performing biomass crop for Indian farmers in 2025 and beyond.
