How can Munja Grass farming become a source of additional income? Also there are many benefits
Munja grass reduces soil erosion by up to 75%
The Government of India is constantly talking about doubling the income of farmers. Now many schemes are being run to double the income of farmers. Farmers are also getting benefits from those schemes. You must be thinking that there is going to be a discussion about any government scheme in this article, but here we are talking about Munja grass. Munja is a perennial grass, which is of sugarcane species. This grass belongs to the Gramini family. The length of its plant is up to 5 meters. An additional advantage to the farmer by cultivating Munja grass is that once the farmer plants it, the roots of the plant do not die for about 24-30 years after spreading. Munja grass works to prevent soil erosion in desert areas.
Under what conditions does Munja grass grow?
Munja grass grows naturally on the banks of rivers, roads, highways, railway lines and ponds. This grass is found in drought prone areas of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Farmers can easily plant it. In India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, about 33% of the people are employed.
Munja is a medicinal plant
The use of roots of Munja has been reported as medicine. Its plants, leaves, roots and stems are used. Medicines are also made from the roots of its plant. Let us tell you that in old times when there was no English medicine, Hakeem used to use it.
How to cultivate Munja grass?
Munja grass can be grown in sandy, sloping and light soil. It is mainly planted from the roots. It is planted through 25 to 40 small roots formed from a single plant (mother plant). Plants should be sown in the month of July when new roots start growing. They should be planted in pits of size 30 by 30 cm at a distance of 76 by 60 cm. Its 30,000 to 35,000 roots can be planted per hectare. Munja does not require chemical fertilizers, yet if it is needed, 15-20 tonnes per hectare of indigenous manure should be applied. Its average yield of 350-400 quintal per hectare can be obtained.
Keep these things in mind
- When farmers plant saplings in the field, they should be protected from animals after two months. After planting it, farmers should be given water immediately in drought prone areas. This keeps the plants green and healthy.
- Farmers should keep in mind while watering that stagnation of water is harmful to the roots of the plant. This stops the growth of plant roots.
- After about 12 months for the first time, the munja should be cut from 30 cm above the roots. Munja plants should be harvested every year.
When and how to harvest Munja grass?
Munja grass should be harvested every year from October to November. The farmer should harvest when the height of the plant is 10 to 12 feet and the leaves start drying and turning yellow. After harvesting, the reeds should be collected in the field for 5-8 days after harvesting, keeping the flower part up and the root part down, standing near the bunds in the field and drying it. After drying, separate the flower part from the buds and send it to sell in the market. After drying the flowers should be separated and sent to sell in the market. According to an estimate, an income of Rs.85,000 to Rs.100,000 can be earned from this crop.
Different Uses of Munja
- Munja is also used for making household items such as cots, fenders for cleaning seeds, ropes, children’s swings, sheds etc.
- Munja plant reduces soil erosion by 75%.
- By planting Munja crop on the bunds around the fields, other crops can be saved from the heat.
- Munja is also used for making greasing paper.
- When the animal’s leg bone is broken, its reeds are tied around with the rope of Munja, this gives relief.
- Feeding the animals by crushing the leaves, the green fodder is fulfilled.
- Pesticides organic products are made from its ashes.
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