Determination of the Key Factors to Uncover the True Benefits of Embracing Climate-Resilient Napier Grass Among Dairy Farmers in Southern India

Insufficient access to high-quality feed in sufficient amounts is hindering the sustainable growth of the Indian cattle sector. The feed supply is negatively impacted by increased cropping intensity, limited grazing land, and the effects of climate change. Therefore, developing cost-effective methods to improve feed availability year-round is crucial. Improved planted forages, such as Napier grass, are recommended to address feed shortages in semi-arid agroecological regions in India. The study, using the PSM approach, investigates the socioeconomic factors that impact Napier adoption, its influence on enhanced milk output, time saved in livestock farming, farmers’ well-being, and livestock health. This study employed a multistage sampling method to choose 309 participants for the questionnaire survey. Our analysis shows that Napier adoption resulted in a 24.6% rise in daily milk output/cow and a 61.2% overall improvement in total milk production/year/cow when compared with baseline data. Napier’s adoption decreased livestock farming times by 30 min/cow. Additionally, women’s involvement in livestock farming improved with Napier farming, and farmers who have switched to Napier have seen a remarkable increase in their net income, with a monthly boost of Rs. 2044–2555 per cow. Additionally, daily milk consumption has also skyrocketed, with a remarkable enhancement of 143–153 mL per person daily. Our study highlights that the farmer’s age, education level, livestock unit, and land holding play a crucial role. Additionally, the availability of extension services and farmer group participation can further impact the adoption process. Furthermore, our study explores how these factors shape the decision-making process and drive the successful integration of Napier grass into farming practices. However, considering the spatial limitations and reliance on self-reported data in this study, we suggest future research examining the long-term effects of Napier grass adoption on climate-smart agricultural practices, soil moisture, and socioeconomic benefits, involving field experiments, modeling, and farmer participation.