Molasses

Introduction

• Scientific name: Melinis minutiflora
• Spreading summer growing perennial herb.
• Leaves have a sweetish smell and are adapted to tropical and subtropical climates with moderate rainfall.
• Is fairly drought-resistant and persists through dry season.

Climate

• Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with moderate rainfall.
• Highly susceptible to frost and waterlogging.

Soil

• Performs well in well-drained clay loam soils.
• Cultivated with success in dry sloppy land.

Land Preparation

• Plowed in early spring to a fine texture for sowing on the prepared seed bed since seeds are very small and light.
• Could be established in the ashes of pasture or forest burn.

Fertilization

• Desirable to use 60 Kg Nitrogen, 100 Kg Phosphorous, and 40 Kg Potash per hectare of land.

Propagation

• Can be propagated both by stem cuttings and seed sowing.

Sowing time and seed rate

• Sown after rains, when there is enough moisture in the soil in June/ July.
• The seed rate is 5 Kg per hectare of land.

Seed harvesting and yield

• For seeds, don’t cut more than once.
• Flowers in October and the seed matures in January-February and then dries in sun.
• Seed collected either manually or mechanically.
• Seed yield ranges from 200-250 kg per hectare of land.