How to Grow Super Napier Grass (Pakchong Hybrid)

If you’re a livestock farmer in Kenya, you know the biggest struggle is feed—quality, quantity, and cost. That’s where Super Napier Grass, also called Pakchong Hybrid, comes in. With yields of up to 200 tons per acre per year, this is no ordinary grass. It’s engineered to revolutionize fodder production, enhance milk yields, and slash feeding costs. Whether you’re feeding dairy cows, goats, or beef cattle, this is your new best friend.

This guide will walk you through everything—what it is, how it works, how to grow it, and what to watch out for.

1. Origin and Development of Super Napier Grass

Super Napier Grass is not native to Kenya. It’s a scientific innovation from Thailand, developed by Dr. Krailas Kiyothong, who crossed Elephant Grass with Pearl Millet. The goal was clear: high-protein, fast-growing, resilient fodder.

Introduced to Kenya in 2018 by Simon Thuo and Francis Kang’ethe, Super Napier quickly proved its worth in local trials. Milk production increased. Feed costs dropped. Farmers took notice.

2. Key Benefits of Super Napier Grass

Let’s break down why this grass is worth your time and investment:

• Protein-Rich: 16–18% crude protein, compared to 5–10% in traditional Napier.
• High Yield: Up to 200 tons per acre annually.
• Fast Growing: Harvest-ready in 60 days, with 7–8 harvests per year.
• Drought-Resistant: Deep roots mean it can survive both dry and wet spells.
• Palatable: Smooth, hairless leaves that livestock love.
• Long Lifespan: Productive for 7–9 years with proper care.
• Silage-Ready: High moisture content for excellent silage.
• Low Maintenance: Fewer pests, lower input costs.

3. Site Selection and Land Preparation

Best Conditions

• Soil: Deep, fertile, and well-drained. pH between 5–8.
• Sunlight: Needs full sun exposure.
• Water: Can tolerate drought but needs consistent moisture for optimal yields.

Steps

1. Clear the Land: Remove weeds, debris, and old crops.
2. Plow Deep: Go 30 cm down to encourage root development.
3. Soil Pulverization: Break clumps for better aeration.
4. Test Soil: Adjust pH and nutrients. Add lime if too acidic.

4. Choosing Planting Material

You don’t use seeds for Super Napier. Instead, use 3-4 month old stem cuttings from a healthy, mature crop. Each cutting must have at least three nodes.

• Two nodes go underground
• One stays above for shoot development

Make sure you get your cuttings from a certified source to avoid diseases and ensure vigor.

5. How to Plant Super Napier

Spacing and Layout

• Furrow distance: 1.2 meters apart
• Plant spacing: 70 cm between cuttings
• Depth: Bury cuttings 1–2 inches under soil

Steps

1. Dig furrows across the slope to control erosion.
2. Lay the cuttings flat with two nodes buried.
3. Cover gently with soil.
4. Water immediately after planting.

6. Watering and Fertilization

Irrigation

• Water thoroughly after planting.
• During dry seasons: water twice a week.
• Avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizer Plan

• At Planting: One 50 kg bag of NPK (20:20:0) per acre
• Top Dressing: Two bags of NPK at long rains + two at short rains
• Organic Alternatives: Apply well-rotted manure or compost

7. Weed and Pest Management

One major advantage of Super Napier is natural weed suppression due to dense foliage. Still, you should:

• Manually weed during early stages.
• Mulch between rows to retain moisture and stop weed growth.
• Monitor for pests like termites or stem borers—though infestations are rare.

8. Harvesting: When and How

First Harvest

• 90 days after planting
• Height: ~1 meter
• Cut 5 cm above ground

Subsequent Harvests

• Every 45–60 days
• Harvest at 1.5 meters height

Yield

• Per harvest: 20,000–40,000 kg of fresh grass
• Annual: Up to 200 tons per acre

9. Utilization: Feeding Livestock

Cut-and-Carry Method

1. Harvest and wilt grass under shade for 12 hours.
2. Chop into 5 cm pieces.
3. Feed directly.

Benefits:

• Controlled portions
• Zero-grazing system compatible

Silage Making

1. Chop fresh grass into small pieces.
2. Pack tightly into trench or tube silo.
3. Seal to remove air.
4. Ferment for 21–30 days.

No need for preservatives thanks to high moisture and sugar content.

10. Regrowth Management and Longevity

• Water consistently
• Top-dress with organic or chemical fertilizers
• Cut precisely and avoid overharvesting
• Rotate portions of land if possible

With good management, your crop can thrive for 7–9 years.

11. Economic Impact for Kenyan Farmers

More Milk, More Money

• Cows fed on Super Napier produce double the milk in some trials
• Higher protein leads to faster growth and healthier animals

Lower Feed Costs

• No need for commercial protein supplements
• Reduced dependence on commercial hay or concentrates

Scalability

• One acre can feed 10–15 dairy cows
• Potential to earn Ksh 120K+ monthly from milk sales

Silage for the Dry Season

• Makes fodder available year-round
• Enhances food security for your livestock

12. Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

• Reduces overgrazing by allowing zero-grazing models
• Improves soil health through mulch and residue
• Low chemical input system
• Cuts carbon emissions from feed transport

13. Challenges to Watch Out For

1. Invasiveness

• Can outcompete native vegetation
• Requires boundary control and routine cutting

2. Nutrient Management

• High productivity demands soil health
• Without good management, quality drops fast

3. Timing Is Everything

• Late harvesting reduces protein
• Stick to a strict 45–60 day cycle

4. Digestive Shocks

• Introduce gradually to animals unfamiliar with it

5. Soil and Erosion

• Avoid planting on steep slopes without erosion control

14. Super Napier vs Traditional Napier: Quick Comparison

15. FAQs

Q: Can I grow Super Napier anywhere in Kenya?
Yes, as long as the soil is fertile and there’s enough sunlight and water.

Q: Where can I buy genuine Super Napier cuttings?
From certified agricultural suppliers or cooperatives importing from Thailand or distributing locally.

Q: Is it safe for goats and sheep?
Absolutely. Just introduce it gradually to avoid digestive issues.

Q: Do I need fertilizer every season?
Yes, especially if you want to maintain high protein content and fast regrowth.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for the Future of Livestock Farming

Super Napier Grass is more than just another fodder crop. It’s a solution to chronic feed shortages, a tool for increasing milk yields, and a pathway to profitability for small and large-scale Kenyan farmers. If you’re serious about livestock farming—especially dairy—it’s time to rethink how you grow your feed.

Start with one acre. Learn the cycle. Watch the numbers. And prepare to expand.

One crop. Multiple benefits. Zero regrets. Super Napier is the future.