Sorghum: a viable crop for summer rainfall areas

Sorghum, deeply rooted in South Africa’s heritage, is a versatile, highly nutritious, and gluten-free grain. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it thrives in various soil types and fluctuating climate conditions. However, for sorghum to be a viable crop, it must add value to a farming enterprise, fit into a farmer's rotation system, and be profitable. Magda du Toit spoke to industry experts about the best sorghum production practices.

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Regular changes in weather patterns are complicating grain production in many parts of South Africa. Sorghum, as an alternative, can simplify grain farmers’ lives, as it is an ideal additional crop to grow during drier conditions or in more marginal areas. Sorghum can be used to produce food, feed, beverages, and biofuel. Irrespective of the end market, sorghum provides masses of crop residue that can be used for soil coverage or livestock feed.

PRODUCTION CHALLENGES

Although sorghum has many advantages, some farmers are still cautious when it comes to planting it as an alternative grain crop.

At the sorghum working group meeting during the Grain SA Congress held in March 2025, it was noted that maize yields still outperform that of sorghum during a good production season.

Furthermore, the sorghum market is subject to price fluctuations, and production is targeted by pests and diseases, especially birds causing damage before harvesting.

The fact that sorghum is the only grain on which VAT is charged also hinders the growth of the industry.

Many of the current varieties available for planting have been in the market for more than 20 years. “Over the years, genetic improvement has been neglected. Therefore, sorghum breeding technology in South Africa is not as advanced as with maize,” says Elize Botha, sorghum breeder at Sorgho.

However, Botha points out that if a farmer treats the sorghum crop well, it can yield up to 12t/ha.

BENEFITS

Gjizelle Nel, agronomist at AGT Foods Africa, says that in general, sorghum is more droughtand heat-tolerant than maize.