• Pakchong 1 Super Napier Grass is a perennial deep-rooted plant that can last over 6
years under good management.
• The plants have a high leaf to stem ratio with 6–8 cm broad leaves.
• While common Napier grass varieties contain 8-10% crude protein, Pakchong 1 Super
Napier grass contains 17-18% crude protein (depending on soil fertility and
management practices).
• Super Napier grass is amongst the fastest growing fodder crops attaining a height of
over 3 metres in just 60 days after planting.
• Under good management and favourable climate, 100-150 tons/ha/year of green
succulent grass can be obtained.
• The Green Elephant reported an average herbage biomass yield of 15kg/plant the first
four months of growth. At a planting rate of 10,000 per hectare, it translates into about
150 tonnes. This was despite the fact that it was planted on poor soils without fertilisers
and irrigation.
Pakchong 1 Super Napier field at Sight Farm Namulonge (Source: Wasswa, 2023)
• Its growth can reach more than 3 meters at the age of fewer than 60 days, gives high
yields and can be harvested after 45 days.
•Pakchong 1 Super Napier grass variety about 3 meters high (Source: DAFAN- Dairy Farmers
Network WhatsApp Group, 2023)
• Super Napier grass can be cut over 6 times a year with good management.
• It is highly palatable because of its sweet taste.
• It doesn’t have short itchy hairs common with traditional Napier varieties makes.
• Super Napier grass can be used for “cut and carry” as well as making silage.
• With good management, Pakchong 1 Super Napier variety has a production cycle of over six years
Compiled by Dr Jolly Kabirizi
