Juncao grass is a hybrid Napier grass imported from China whose scientific name is Pennisetum purpureum X P. typhoideum. It is usually a very tall growing grass with strong fibrous root system compared to local Napier grass found in Tanzania. At Sokoine university of Agriculture specifically the department of Model Training Farm Juncao grass was first planted in 2022 at Magadu animal Farm and it has performed incredibly well since then, and it has been used as one of the primary grass to feed cattle from the farm.
Juncao grass is preferred from other Napier grass species because it is slightly higher in sugar content but also it has numerous functions other than being a forage for livestock such as it is used in Mushroom cultivation but also in other ecological functions and controlling soil erosion.
We welcome the general public at Model Training Farm to learn more about Juncao grass and to see in first hand the plots but also other grass species found in our pasture farms but also for purchasing seeds and cuttings for all available grass and legume species. For more information you can contact the Farm manager Mr. Farid Chamkwata 0712 500 840.
