1. Origin
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), believed to have originated in northeastern Africa, particularly in the regions of Ethiopia and Sudan, is one of the earliest cultivated cereal grains. Historical evidence indicates that sorghum has been grown for over 4,000 years. From its African roots, the crop spread across Asia and later to the Americas. Its adaptability to harsh climates and poor soils helped it gain widespread popularity, particularly in drought-prone regions.
2. Geographical Distribution in India
In India, sorghum is cultivated across several agro-climatic zones. It is predominantly grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. It is cultivated during both kharif (monsoon) and rabi (post-monsoon) seasons. The Deccan plateau is a significant area for sorghum cultivation. Sorghum ranks as the fourth most important cereal crop in India in terms of area and production.
3. Economic Importance
- Fifth most significant cereal crop globally.
- Used for food, fodder, and industrial applications.
- Gluten-free and suitable for gluten-intolerant people.
- Rich in fiber, iron, antioxidants, and protein.
- Vital for food security in semi-arid regions.
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements
Soil: Grows best in well-drained loamy to sandy loam soils, pH 6.0-7.5.
Climate: Prefers 25°C to 32°C and 400-700 mm annual rainfall. Highly drought-tolerant.
5. Land Preparation
- Deep ploughing (20-25 cm) followed by harrowings.
- Fine tilth and weed-free field.
- Apply 10-15 tons/ha of compost or manure.
6. Varieties Developed in India
- CSV 15, CSV 17, CSV 20, CSV 21F
- Hybrids: CSH 14, 16, 18, 22SS, 30, 35R, 40
- Rabi: Maldandi 35-1, Phule Vasudha, Phule Revati
7. Seed Requirement
- Hybrids: 8-10 kg/ha
- OP varieties: 12-15 kg/ha
- Fungicide treatment recommended
8. Sowing Time
- Kharif: June-July
- Rabi: September-October
- Summer: February-March (irrigated)
9. Cropping Systems
- Intercropping: pigeon pea, cowpea
- Rotation: legumes, cotton, sunflower, vegetables
- Mixed cropping in drylands
10. Fertilizer Requirements
Apply 100-120 kg N, 50-60 kg P2O5, and 40 kg K2O per hectare. Apply half N and full P & K at sowing; remaining N at 30-35 DAS. Apply 25 kg/ha zinc sulphate if needed.
11. Water Requirements
- Rainfed in kharif; irrigated in rabi/summer
- 3-5 irrigations depending on need
- Critical stages: seedling, booting, flowering, grain filling
12. Weed Management
- Hoeing at 15 and 30 DAS
- Pre-emergence Atrazine @ 0.5-1.0 kg/ha
- Integrated mechanical and chemical methods
13. Diseases and Their Management
- Downy mildew: Resistant varieties, Metalaxyl
- Grain mold: Drying and early harvest
- Smut: Seed treatment, clean seeds
- Anthracnose: Mancozeb spray, resistance
14. Insect Pests and Their Management
- Stem borer: Chlorpyrifos, Quinalphos
- Shoot fly: Early sowing, Imidacloprid treatment
- Aphids: Dimethoate spray
- Armyworm: Field monitoring and treatment
15. Harvesting & Threshing
- Harvest at 20% moisture, full maturity
- Dry panicles in sun to 12% moisture
- Manual or mechanical threshing
16. Yield of Crop
- Grain: 25-35 quintals/ha
- Fodder: 100-150 quintals/ha
- Best practices improve yields
17. Post Harvest Operations
- Dry grains to 12% moisture
- Store in clean, insect-free bins
- Use fumigation and botanical repellents
- Monitor regularly to avoid losses
