Napier Grass Holds Significant Potential To Cut Livestock Feed Costs By Up To 30 Pct - DOSM

PORT DICKSON, July 3 (Bernama) -- Napier grass holds significant potential as a strategic crop in Malaysia’s agriculture sector, with the ability to reduce livestock feed costs by up to 30 per cent, according to Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

He said the growing demand for the high-yield grass, especially among ruminant farmers, indicates its viability as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial feed such as pellets and bran.

In fact, he said the 2024 Agriculture Census also found that Napier grass is not only a nutritious and economical livestock feed, but is now being utilised as raw material for biomass and renewable energy.

“Napier grass costs significantly less than commercial livestock feed. Dried Napier grass is priced at just around 30 sen per kilogram, while commercial feed can go over 50 sen per kilogram.

“Overall, Napier grass shows strong promise in boosting Malaysia’s livestock sector,” he said at the launch of the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report for Negeri Sembilan, officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun today.

As the 2024 Agriculture Census Commissioner, Mohd Uzir also revealed that Kedah has the largest Napier grass cultivation area at 363.5 hectares, followed by Terengganu (276.6 hectares) and Negeri Sembilan (267.9 hectares). Nationally, a total of 1,388 hectares have been planted.

He also said that agriculture remains a key driver of the national economy, playing a vital role in ensuring food security.

“The sector also significantly reduces our reliance on imports, supports processing industries, generates employment, and boosts household income, particularly among farmers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin said Negeri Sembilan’s agriculture sector recorded a strong rebound in 2024, growing by 9.8 per cent compared to a contraction of 5.6 per cent in 2023, mainly driven by the robust performance of the crops sub-sector, particularly palm oil.

“This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of strategies implemented under the Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (RPNS) and the positive impact of the state-led Agropolis initiative,” he said.

He also noted growth in other sectors, with services expanding by 4.3 per cent and manufacturing rising 3.9 per cent, both contributing to the state's overall economic resilience.

-- BERNAMA