Sorghum is an important cereal crop in Africa and a staple grain for millions of people. It is well adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and has the ability to thrive in relatively poor soils, low rainfall and high temperatures. Grain sorghum also has diverse uses across multiple industries.
Sorghum is used to make bread, porridges, soups and cakes for human consumption and as malt in the production of alcoholic beverages such as opaque beer, traditional sorghum beer (umqombothi) and non-alcoholic drinks (mageu). Additionally, sorghum is also used for livestock and poultry feed due to its high nutritional value and digestibility.
Speaking at a cultivar demonstration day organised by Grain SA and the Sorghum Trust on the farm Hamburg near Settlers in Limpopo, farm owner Willem Groothof expressed his optimism regarding the broader sorghum industry in South Africa. “I am positive that the sorghum industry will grow, especially if one looks at the new cultivars coming through. We must, however, also develop the market and promote sorghum as a healthy food.”
According to Groothof, who is also chairperson of the Sorghum Working Group in Grain SA, the creation of the Sorghum Cluster Initiative (SCI) is a light in the dark tunnel of sorghum production in South Africa. He pointed out that the SCI is busy with the following projects:
The evaluation of exotic germplasm as a precursor to sorghum pre-breeding;
Alternative quelea-control methods;
Policy aspects: asking for the exemption of VAT on sorghum;
An awareness campaign to support the market for sorghum;
Establishing an agro-processing facility; and
An analysis of the sorghum value chain.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 07, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 07, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
