Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: DTE
Napier grass, also known as elephant grass, is a productive and versatile forage grass native to Africa and Southeast Asia. It is widely used as feed for livestock and in bioenergy applications.
Favourable properties for its use in bio-energy:
- Energy output-to-input ratio of approximately 25:1
- High yield
- Ability to withstand drought conditions
- An excellent feedstock for anaerobic digestion processes
- it can be harvested 5-6 times annually
- Short cycle: Its first harvest occurs four months after planting.
Napier grass is found in various parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Usage: The example can be used in Geography/Economy/Environment questions for alternative energy sources.