🌿 Juncao Grass Cultivation in India: A Sustainable Solution for Fodder, Mushroom Farming, and Bioenergy

Juncao Grass Cultivation in India:

Juncao grass (from Chinese: “jun” = fungus, “cao” = grass) is a high-yield, fast-growing perennial grass developed for mushroom cultivation, livestock fodder, and bioenergy purposes. Originally developed in China by Professor Lin Zhanxi, Juncao grass varieties like Pennisetum giganteum and Elephant Grass hybrids are now being promoted globally — including in India — for sustainable development.

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🌾 Where Can You Grow Juncao Grass in India?

Juncao grass thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Suitable Indian states include:

Region	Suitable States
South India	Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
East India	Odisha, West Bengal, Assam
Central India	Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
West India	Maharashtra, Gujarat (with adequate water)
North-East	Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram (humid areas)

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📌 Key Requirements

• Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil; pH 5.5 to 7.5
• Rainfall/Irrigation: Moderate to high rainfall; irrigation needed in dry zones
• Temperature: 20–35°C is ideal
• Planting Method: Root splits or stem cuttings (not seeds)

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🧪 Post-Planting Process & Applications

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1. 🌱 Cultivation Process

• Land Prep: Plow and level the land, apply organic compost or FYM.
• Planting: Use stem cuttings or slips; plant in rows 60–75 cm apart.
• Watering: Frequent watering initially; reduce after establishment.
• Fertilization: Organic or NPK-based fertilizers every 3–4 months.
• Harvest: First cut at 90–120 days; subsequent cuts every 60–75 days.

2. 🍄 Mushroom Substrate Use

• Chop and dry the Juncao grass.
• Use it as a low-cost, lignocellulosic substrate for growing mushrooms like:
  • Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
  • Pleurotus (Oyster mushrooms)
  • Lentinula edodes (Shiitake)

3. 🐄 Animal Fodder Use

• Fresh or silage form; high digestibility and protein content.
• Supports dairy, goat, and poultry farming.

4. 🔥 Bioenergy Use

• Grass can be pelletized or fermented for:
  • Biogas production
  • Biomass briquettes
  • Bioethanol or biobutanol

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✅ Benefits of Juncao Grass

• Up to 300–500 tons/hectare/year yield
• Controls soil erosion
• Acts as carbon sink
• Supports SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals)

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