A Professional Step-by-Step Sorghum Farming Guide
Sorghum is a drought-tolerant cereal crop widely grown in tropical and semi-arid regions. It is cultivated for grain, forage, syrup, and biofuel production. Its ability to thrive in high temperatures and low rainfall makes it a critical crop for food security.
Sorghum grows best in warm temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. It requires full sunlight and performs well in areas with moderate rainfall.
Select grain, forage, sweet, or biomass sorghum varieties depending on production goals.
Choose drought-resistant and disease-tolerant hybrids for improved productivity.
Ensure planting begins only when soil temperatures exceed 18°C.
Conduct soil testing to determine pH (5.5–7.5 ideal) and nutrient levels.
Prepare land through plowing and harrowing to create a fine seedbed.
Plant seeds at 2–5 cm depth with 45–75 cm row spacing.
Apply basal fertilizer based on soil test recommendations.
Control weeds within the first 3–5 weeks to reduce competition.
Apply nitrogen fertilizer during early vegetative growth.
Irrigate during flowering and grain filling if rainfall is insufficient.
Monitor for pests such as shoot fly, aphids, and stem borers.
During booting, the panicle develops inside the stem.
Flowering is sensitive to drought and heat stress.
Proper moisture ensures good grain formation.
Monitor diseases like anthracnose and grain mold.
Harvest when grain moisture reaches 20–25%.
Thresh and dry grains to 12–14% moisture.
Clean and grade grains before storage.
Store in cool, dry, pest-free facilities.
