Sorghum is known for its ability to withstand adverse conditions like drought, heat, and waterlogging caused by erratic rainfall. This is just one of the reasons it is considered a good alternative to planting maize.
Although there are a number of sorghum species, it is mainly Sorghum bicolor, native to Africa, that is produced for human consumption.
Sorghum is primarily used around the world in the production of grain for products such as porridge, sorghum molasses and syrup, alcoholic beverages, and biofuels. Its versatility makes it a great alternative to other types of grains, grasses and cereals, and it can be considered the fifth most important cereal crop in the world.
The South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) launched a feasibility study in 2021 to ascertain the value of sorghum in the country's value chain. The study not only highlighted the major challenges the industry is facing but also identified some actions that could be implemented for its survival.
One of the recommendations was to establish the Sorghum Cluster to act as a framework for implementing the initiatives recommended in the report. According to Willem Groothof, chairperson of the Sorghum Trust, the creation of this initiative make sense as it will focus simultaneously on all the identified focus areas for sorghum production and market development in South Africa.
The DSI's Sorghum Cluster Master Plan stands on the following development pillars:
• An advanced germplasm development programme;
• Establishing a sorghum promotion agency like the US's Sorghum Checkoff;
• Removing VAT from sorghum and sorghum meal and excise duty on pasteurised traditional African beer, and adding an import duty;
• Promoting inclusivity and food security by means of a pilot sorghum project in the Eastern Cape; and
• Securing yield gains through precision agriculture and extension services.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin June 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin June 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
