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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
