Sorghum: Reviving an Ancient Grain for Modern Challenges
Sorghum, one of the world’s oldest cultivated grains, has deep roots in Africa, Asia, and India, where it has nourished communities for millennia. Despite its historical significance, the grain has been overshadowed in modern agriculture by staples like maize, wheat, and rice. But with growing concerns about food security and climate resilience, sorghum is gaining renewed attention.
A Solution to Food Insecurity
Why should sorghum matter today? The answer lies in its potential to combat food insecurity—a pressing issue worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 282 million Africans face undernourishment, and over a billion lack access to healthy diets. In South Africa, while the nation is considered food secure on a macro level, many households experience food insecurity.
Beyond simply filling stomachs, true food security requires access to nutrient-rich diets that support physical, social, and cognitive well-being. Yet, 58.1% of South African households rely on nutrient-poor food, and 27% of children under five suffer from stunting, according to the 2016 SA Demographic and Health Survey. Stunting, caused by chronic malnutrition, limits children’s potential and poses long-term socio-economic challenges.
The Nutritional and Agricultural Benefits of Sorghum
Sorghum’s nutritional profile is impressive—it is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and is naturally gluten-free. But its benefits go beyond nutrition. As a drought-resistant, heat-tolerant crop, sorghum thrives in marginal soils with minimal inputs like fertilizers, making it ideal for regions facing climate change and resource constraints.
Sorghum’s versatility also makes it attractive to farmers. It supports multiple income streams, including food products, beverages (such as traditional African beer), animal feed, and biofuel production. However, challenges remain: pests, market volatility, and unfavorable policies—such as South Africa’s VAT on sorghum—have hindered its competitiveness compared to maize.
Rekindling South Africa’s Sorghum Industry
Sorghum has not disappeared from South Africa’s agricultural landscape, but its role has diminished. To address this, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) launched a feasibility study in 2022 to explore strategies for revitalizing the sorghum value chain.
The study revealed a decline in local demand, driven partly by reduced consumption of traditional African beer and the loss of export markets like Botswana. Meanwhile, South Africa has become a net importer of sorghum, primarily from the United States, where targeted marketing and research have fueled a 250% increase in consumption over five years.
To turn the tide, the DSI aims to boost local production to 500,000 tons annually, increase domestic consumption by 15% per year, and expand exports by 250,000 tons. Achieving this requires planting 100,000 hectares of sorghum and establishing a rural processing hub in the Eastern Cape to drive entrepreneurship. Additionally, efforts are underway to lobby for VAT exemption on sorghum to enhance its market competitiveness.
The Role of Collaboration
Central to the revival is the Sorghum Cluster Initiative (SCI), which brings together stakeholders across the value chain. This includes the DSI, the Department of Agriculture, the Sorghum Forum, Grain SA, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, and research organizations like the Southern African Grain Laboratories (SAGL) and the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR). Together, they aim to improve genetics, production, processing, and marketing for sorghum.
Pannar’s Commitment
Pannar Seed, one of South Africa’s oldest sorghum breeding programs, is playing a pivotal role in the revival. Since 1978, Pannar has been developing high-performing sorghum hybrids suited to local conditions. As part of the SCI, the company actively supports initiatives to address industry challenges, participates in cultivar trials, and donates seeds to small-scale farmers through Grain SA’s programs.
By prioritizing sorghum alongside maize, sunflower, and soybeans, Pannar underscores its belief in sorghum’s importance to South Africa’s agricultural and food security future.
Unlocking Sorghum’s Potential
Sorghum offers solutions to some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, including climate resilience, food security, and rural job creation. Through targeted efforts like the Sorghum Cluster Initiative, the nation can leverage this ancient grain to secure a healthier, more sustainable future. It’s time for sorghum to reclaim its rightful place in South Africa’s agricultural and dietary landscape.
