About 1000 livestock farmers in Fiji have planted the juncao grass since it was launched in February last year.

The grass was imported from China.

Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy is pleased with how Fijian farmers have embraced the juncao grass.

“During a drought, what are the two issues farmers face? One is water, second is pasture. This grass is ideal to feed the livestock during the dry season,” Mr Reddy said.

He said the Yaqara Pastoral Company Ltd had planted 25 acres of juncao grass.

“During the recent dry weather, they had no problems with pasture.”

He said the juncao grass was very high in protein and had a very high yield.

“It will last 40 to 50 years. All you need to do is every three months, harvest and feed it. It is a cut and carry pasture.

“We want every livestock farmer to have a small plot of juncao grass and from there, they can multiply.”

Mr Reddy said the forage can be cut and put in airtight bags for up to three months.