Quantity and composition of biogas from semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of straw were obtained experimentally in laboratory scale digesters fed with 1 liter of 5% straw-water mixture and maintained at 35∘C. Experiments were carried out for hydraulic retention time(HRT) of 8, 10 and 15days, respectively. The amount and composition of biogas produced were measured until steady-state was achieved for each run. The amount of biogas and methane percent go through a maximum and decrease continuously towards the steady-state after three times operation of hydraulic retention time(HRT). Methane gas production rates at steady-state increase with the increasing of HRT. Biogas production of 0.45 liter/day with 25% methane, 0.42 liter/day with 33.7% methane and 0.492 liter/day with 31.7% methane were obtained for 8, 10 and 15days of HRT, respectively. The high proportion of soluble carbohydrates present in straw makes the volatile fatty acids to build up within the digester causing a drop in pH that inhibits digestion. Regular control of pH is therefore necessary by adding alkalinity. Reductions in COD increase with increase in HRT. The stratification of plant material within the digester is different from that of manure, and modifications in design and operation of digesters may be necessary if they are fed with plant matter.