Sorghum as a strategic crop is the topic of a seminar

The seminar “Sorghum as a strategic crop for Brazil - challenges and opportunities” brought together experts from Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, during the 15th Technological Integration Week, in Sete Lagoas-MG. On the occasion, technical aspects and market opportunities for sorghum cultivation were presented, as well as the culture incentive program, Movimento + Sorgo.

Culture is in full evolution in Brazilian territory. Currently, it is possible to distinguish a grain sorghum belt in Brazil, especially in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Bahia, Tocantins, in addition to the Federal District. It is the fifth most produced cereal in the world, after corn, wheat, rice and barley.

The central idea of ​​Movimento + Sorgo is to carry out a permanent mobilization, without currency or borders, aimed at encouraging the cultivation and diversification of sustainable use and consumption of sorghum in the most varied agricultural and agro-industrial segments. The project is being structured within the scope of Embrapa, in partnership with Latina Seeds, and foresees the participation and adhesion of companies and public and private organizations interested in the growth and strengthening of culture.

“Sorghum provides security when it is planted in the second harvest, or winter harvest, especially when we consider the Agricultural Climate Risk Zoning”, highlighted the executive director of Latina Seeds, William Sawa. In his talk he addressed “Consumption and cultivation: What does the market demand and what can sorghum offer?”.

“One of the best tools for producers to diversify is sorghum, the fifth most cultivated cereal in the world. As it invariably has a shorter cycle and better withstands water stress, it can easily do double duty, being sown in periods in which the entry of corn is more risky. It is recommended that the producer carry out an analysis of his property and region, observing the climatic window, cost and risks. And with the guidance of a technician, plan and choose the best crop,” said Sawa.

Frederico Botelho, agronomist at Embrapa and coordinator of Movimento + Sorgo, highlighted that sorghum is one of the best opportunities to have more sustainable production systems and grain production chains. “Sorghum has multiple uses, both for animal and human food, as well as for the production of ethanol and brooms. The program aims to promote training to update the knowledge of multipliers, technicians and producers, in relation to good crop management practices”, he pointed out.

Sorghum Versatility

At the seminar, researcher Cícero Menezes pointed out the characteristics of grain sorghum that favor the plant in terms of drought tolerance and animal feed. “One of the advantages of the culture is the Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio present in the biomass. This indicator is used to measure the degradation of dry mass. Sorghum straw lasts longer in the field compared to millet or grass. It helps to soften the impact of rain on the soil, reducing compaction. Furthermore, the dry mass helps to prevent the occurrence of weeds”, said Menezes.

 “The amount of dry mass provided by sorghum also favors the crop. In the direct planting system for soybeans, 11 to 12 tons are needed per hectare (t/ha) of dry mass. Grain sorghum leaves an average of 7 to 12 t/ha and forage sorghum leaves 12 to 15 t/ha. Another relevant factor in sorghum cultivation in recent years is that it is resistant to stunting complexes and leafhoppers”, pointed out the researcher.

Next, the commercial negotiator specialized in corn and sorghum, Bruno Sartori, from the company BRF addressed the “National and international sorghum market and business models in the production chain”, Sartori commented that in 2022 the main sorghum producing countries were United States and Nigeria. In Nigeria, consumption is intended for human consumption.

He highlighted that sorghum has been gaining a lot of space in Brazil in recent harvests. “For the domestic market, 90% of production is largely destined for animal feed. Of this percentage, 42% goes to poultry feed, 34% to pigs, 14% to cattle and 10% to pets and other segments. However, since 2018, with the installation of large ethanol plants, mainly in Mato Grosso, the allocation for this purpose has been growing substantially”, pointed out Sartori.

Food security and forage production

Researcher Rafael Parrela addressed the technical aspects and opportunities for Forage Sorghum. “Sorghum has favorable characteristics for animal feed, through direct consumption or silage, similar to corn. Furthermore, as it is more resistant to high temperatures and water stress, sorghum is a strategic crop for food security and forage production,” he said.

According to him, sorghum biomass and saccharine, initially, were destined for the production of bioenergy and ethanol. However, the producer also noted their quality for animal feed. Cutting and grazing sorghum is used to provide forage and for direct grazing. “So look at the variability that culture has. In fact, there are results that prove that all types of sorghum can be ensiled”, commented Parrela.

To talk about the “Production of sorghum silage with high nutritional value”, the guest was the research director of Helix Sementes, Claudio Prates Zago. “Sorghum has good potential for dry matter production with less water requirement. It is more tolerant to periods of water restriction and has a great ability to recover after a period of intense drought. The plant has a deep root system, with a greater volume of secondary roots and contains wax in the leaves and foliage. Furthermore, sorghum has a higher protein content in grains and forage”, highlighted Zago.