Napier grass
Napier grass
Context:
The rapid scaling of India's BioCNG and Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector under initiatives like SATAT and GOBARdhan has placed a strong focus on high-yield energy crops, primarily Napier grass.
Facts for Prelims:
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
Ability to withstand drought conditions
An excellent feedstock for anaerobic digestion processes
it can be harvested 5-6 times annually