Para grass (Brachiaria mutica):

• It is perennial fodder crop used to prepare hay for winter feeding.
• It is originated from Africa.
• It is also known as “Buffalo grass” in USA, Parana in Cuba, and Herbe de Para in France.
• This plant is about 5m long, 30cmx22 mm leaves, contains hairs in leaves

Climate and altitude:

• It can be grown in tropical to temperate climatic condition.
• It grows well in hot season but temperature should not be less than 15°C (growth stops at this temperature).
• It can thrive well in dry and wet season.

Soil type:

• it can be grown in well in all type of soil.
• Sandy soil and clay soil are best suited for production.

Land preparation:

• Land are ploughed to obtain very fine soils.

Seed rate:

• Slits/sets of stem cutting with 3-4 internodes are planted.
• 3-4 kg/ha

Sowing season:

• In irrigated land: sowing is done in Falgun-Chaitra
• In non-irrigated land: Jestha-Ashad

Method of sowing:

• Slips/ sets of stem cutting with 3-4 internodes are planted underground.

Fertilizer Dose:

• Nitrogen: 80 kg/ha
• Phosphorus: 40 kg/ha
• Potash: 30 kg/ha

Harvesting Time:

• First cutting can be obtained after 60 days of sowing.
• Subsequent cutting can then be obtained at 30-45 days’ interval.
• 8-9 cuttings can be obtained from grass.

Production:

• Grass production: 300-500 Quintal/ha

Varieties: Comum, Finao, Lopori, Parana, Aguda

Nutrient content of Para Grass: