Sorghum

What is Sorghum?

Sorghum is a cereal grain that is widely grown for its edible seeds and is used in the production of food, feed, and industrial products. It is a hardy crop that is well-suited to dry and arid climates and is grown extensively in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Sorghum is a versatile crop that can be used for a variety of purposes. The seeds can be milled into flour and used to make a wide range of food products, including bread, tortillas, porridge, and couscous. Sorghum is also a nutritious animal feed that is commonly used in livestock production. In addition, the plant has many industrial uses, such as the production of biofuels and building materials.

Sorghum is a crop that is easy to grow and requires relatively little water compared to other cereal crops. It is an important food crop in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where it is a staple food for millions of people. Sorghum is also an important crop for small-scale farmers, as it can provide a source of income and help to improve food security in rural communities. Overall, sorghum is a valuable crop that plays an important role in global food and agricultural systems.

Sorghum Production in the World

The global production of Sorghum plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, United States is the top producer, contributing 8,071,090 tonnes, which accounts for 14.09% of the total global production. Nigeria ranks second, producing 6,402,000 tonnes, representing 11.17% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Mexico, Brazil, and Ethiopia, with production levels of 4,815,931, 4,498,299, and 4,010,000 tonnes, respectively. Kyrgyzstan has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 2 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Sorghum reached approximately 57,298,322 tonnes in 2023.


Top 10 Countries by Sorghum Production in 2023


Countries Ranked by Sorghum Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025
RankCountryProduction (Tonnes)Acreage (Hectare)Yield
1
United States Flag
United States
8,071,0902,474,6803,262
2
Nigeria Flag
Nigeria
6,402,0005,700,0001,123
3
Mexico Flag
Mexico
4,815,9311,319,9043,649
4
Brazil Flag
Brazil
4,498,2991,344,4083,346
5
Ethiopia Flag
Ethiopia
4,010,0001,480,0002,710
6
India Flag
India
3,814,1763,534,7211,079
7
Sudan Flag
Sudan
3,055,0005,987,000510
8
China Flag
China
2,966,834634,6384,675
9
Australia Flag
Australia
2,326,266703,4413,307
10
Burkina Faso Flag
Burkina Faso
1,772,0221,793,783988
11
Niger Flag
Niger
1,646,0003,700,000445
12
Argentina Flag
Argentina
1,610,102500,4213,218
13
Mali Flag
Mali
1,528,0081,632,824936
14
Cameroon Flag
Cameroon
1,200,000740,0001,622
15
Bolivia Flag
Bolivia
886,443491,2161,805
16
Chad Flag
Chad
877,5201,103,688795
17
South Sudan Flag
South Sudan
867,000882,819982
18
Egypt Flag
Egypt
780,000150,0005,200
19
Tanzania Flag
Tanzania
737,819683,9671,079
20
Senegal Flag
Senegal
445,000260,0001,712
21
Ghana Flag
Ghana
439,000310,0001,416
22
France Flag
France
303,99054,6105,567
23
Togo Flag
Togo
288,000324,920886
24
Italy Flag
Italy
247,18041,0906,016
25
Uganda Flag
Uganda
225,000250,000900
26
Yemen Flag
Yemen
200,000320,000625
27
Kenya Flag
Kenya
198,921207,739958
28
Rwanda Flag
Rwanda
185,720159,9881,161
29
Oman Flag
Oman
182,3733,23456,385
30
Myanmar Flag
Myanmar
170,834164,5151,038
31
Hungary Flag
Hungary
160,03032,0005,001
32
Benin Flag
Benin
150,465172,587872
33
Eritrea Flag
Eritrea
140,000270,000519
34
Mozambique Flag
Mozambique
139,554234,659595
35
Russia Flag
Russia
126,99097,7791,299
36
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia
121,50957,7432,104
37
Malawi Flag
Malawi
117,000113,5281,031
38
Paraguay Flag
Paraguay
113,96230,4433,743
39
El Salvador Flag
El Salvador
100,00060,2411,660
40
Somalia Flag
Somalia
100,000250,000400
41
South Africa Flag
South Africa
94,36034,0002,775
42
Mauritania Flag
Mauritania
86,000170,000506
43
Zimbabwe Flag
Zimbabwe
82,063405,116203
44
Cote d'Ivoire Flag
Cote d'Ivoire
74,000100,000740
45
Guinea Flag
Guinea
65,00045,0001,444
46
Sierra Leone Flag
Sierra Leone
61,00062,689973
47
Guatemala Flag
Guatemala
57,73729,1161,983
48
Thailand Flag
Thailand
50,00027,0001,852
49
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine
42,37012,9003,285
50
Burundi Flag
Burundi
41,67766,918623
51
Pakistan Flag
Pakistan
38,64546,697828
52
Austria Flag
Austria
37,4705,2207,178
53
North Korea Flag
North Korea
36,39127,1851,339
54
Botswana Flag
Botswana
35,85296,162373
55
Israel Flag
Israel
33,4722,42313,817
56
Spain Flag
Spain
31,3806,5104,820
57
Belize Flag
Belize
30,0578,9373,363
58
Angola Flag
Angola
30,000138,312217
59
Venezuela Flag
Venezuela
28,45312,3052,312
60
Nicaragua Flag
Nicaragua
26,59617,7301,500
61
Uruguay Flag
Uruguay
24,00027,400876
62
Guinea-Bissau Flag
Guinea-Bissau
23,00020,0001,150
63
Moldova Flag
Moldova
20,9994,3234,858
64
Romania Flag
Romania
20,7806,8603,029
65
Central African Republic Flag
Central African Republic
18,45120,501900
66
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan
17,5843,1605,565
67
Slovakia Flag
Slovakia
16,9004,0004,225
68
Honduras Flag
Honduras
15,00013,7891,088
69
Haiti Flag
Haiti
14,00024,766565
70
Ecuador Flag
Ecuador
13,9538,2361,694
71
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan
11,84415,615759
72
Lesotho Flag
Lesotho
9,08816,965536
73
Democratic Republic of the Congo Flag
Democratic Republic of the Congo
8,92113,000686
74
Bulgaria Flag
Bulgaria
8,8203,5402,492
75
Syria Flag
Syria
8,6957,3021,191
76
Serbia Flag
Serbia
8,2752,6053,176
77
Greece Flag
Greece
7,5702,4203,128
78
Zambia Flag
Zambia
6,83613,749497
79
Colombia Flag
Colombia
5,8101,5003,873
80
The Gambia Flag
The Gambia
5,00010,000500
81
Papua New Guinea Flag
Papua New Guinea
4,9221,1304,355
82
Cuba Flag
Cuba
4,4612,8341,574
83
Morocco Flag
Morocco
3,1322,2901,368
84
South Korea Flag
South Korea
2,8751,5991,798
85
Iraq Flag
Iraq
2,4161,7861,353
86
Namibia Flag
Namibia
2,23726,76984
87
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan
2,0002,0001,000
88
Jordan Flag
Jordan
1,4717220,431
89
Madagascar Flag
Madagascar
1,3782,466559
90
Tunisia Flag
Tunisia
1,2302,281539
91
Algeria Flag
Algeria
9411954,821
92
Panama Flag
Panama
7621754,349
93
Philippines Flag
Philippines
6331036,157
94
Lebanon Flag
Lebanon
3021302,330
95
Dominican Republic Flag
Dominican Republic
2871941,484
96
Eswatini Flag
Eswatini
265301881
97
Sri Lanka Flag
Sri Lanka
227912,495
98
Palestine Flag
Palestine
1901691,124
99
Slovenia Flag
Slovenia
80204,000
100
Azerbaijan Flag
Azerbaijan
79392,015
101
Tajikistan Flag
Tajikistan
69242,867
102
Peru Flag
Peru
69193,613
103
Bangladesh Flag
Bangladesh
60471,277
104
Maldives Flag
Maldives
53431,226
105
North Macedonia Flag
North Macedonia
36291,216
106
Fiji Flag
Fiji
2373,304
107
Turkiye Flag
Turkiye
1863,000
108
Micronesia Flag
Micronesia
1772,450
109
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan
23667

Cultivation of Sorghum

Sorghum is a hardy crop that is relatively easy to cultivate and is well-suited to dry and arid climates.

Here are some key aspects of sorghum cultivation:

  1. Soil and Climate: Sorghum grows best in warm, arid regions with well-drained soil. The ideal soil for sorghum is deep, fertile, and slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate drought and is well-suited to areas with limited rainfall.
  2. Planting: Sorghum is typically planted in the spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures have warmed up to at least 60°F. The seeds should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep and spaced about 6 inches apart in rows that are 30 to 36 inches apart.
  3. Watering: Sorghum requires regular watering during the early stages of growth, but can tolerate drought once it is established. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
  4. Fertilizer: Sorghum responds well to fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is important to apply fertilizer at the right time, typically before planting or during the early stages of growth.
  5. Harvesting: Sorghum is typically harvested in the fall when the seeds have matured and the stalks have dried out. The seeds can be harvested using a combine or by hand, and can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place.

Overall, sorghum is a hardy and versatile crop that is well-suited to a range of growing conditions. With the right care and attention, sorghum can provide a valuable source of food, feed, and income for farmers around the world.

Health Benefits of Sorghum

Sorghum, a cereal grain widely cultivated in many parts of the world, offers several health benefits due to its nutrient profile. Here are some potential health benefits of sorghum:

  1. Nutrient-rich: Sorghum is a good source of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, protein, vitamins (such as niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B6), and minerals (such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus). These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
  2. Gluten-free alternative: Sorghum is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking and cooking.
  3. Digestive health: Sorghum is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in promoting digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
  4. Heart health: The high fiber content in sorghum is beneficial for heart health. Dietary fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
  5. Blood sugar management: Sorghum has a lower glycemic index compared to some other grains. This means it has a slower effect on blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage blood sugar levels.
  6. Antioxidant properties: Sorghum contains various antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  7. Weight management: The high fiber content in sorghum can promote feelings of fullness and help control appetite, which may be beneficial for weight management or weight loss goals.
  8. Bone health: Sorghum contains minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which play a crucial role in maintaining bone health and strength. These minerals contribute to bone formation and help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

It's important to note that individual results may vary, and sorghum should be consumed as part of a balanced diet to reap its potential health benefits.

Nutritional Information of Sorghum

The following is the approximate nutritional composition of sorghum per 100 grams:

  • Calories: 329 cal
  • Carbohydrates: 72 grams
    • Dietary fiber: 6 grams
    • Sugars: 2 grams
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Protein: 11 grams
  • Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.40 milligrams
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3): 4.40 milligrams
  • Vitamin B6: 0.45 milligrams
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): 22 micrograms
  • Iron: 4.4 milligrams
  • Magnesium: 165 milligrams
  • Phosphorus: 290 milligrams
  • Potassium: 350 milligrams
  • Zinc: 2.7 milligrams

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the variety of sorghum and other factors.

Regional Variety of Sorghum

Sorghum is a versatile grain that is cultivated in various regions around the world. Different regional varieties of sorghum have unique characteristics and are used for various purposes.

Here are a few examples of regional varieties of sorghum and their uses:

  1. African White Sorghum: This variety of sorghum is commonly grown in Africa. It is primarily used for food consumption, such as grinding the grains into flour for making porridge, flatbreads, and traditional fermented beverages like "pito" or "kaffir beer."
  2. Indian Millet/Jowar: Jowar is a popular variety of sorghum in India. It is used to make traditional Indian flatbreads like "roti" or "bhakri." Jowar flour is also used in the preparation of porridge, snacks, and even gluten-free baking.
  3. Sweet Sorghum: Sweet sorghum varieties are known for their high sugar content in the stalks. These varieties are primarily grown for their sweet juice, which can be extracted and used to make syrup, molasses, or fermented into alcoholic beverages. Sweet sorghum can also be used as animal feed.
  4. Grain Sorghum (Milo): Grain sorghum, also known as "milo," is a widely grown variety in the United States and other parts of the world. It is primarily cultivated as a cereal grain for human consumption, livestock feed, and in the production of biofuels. The grains are used in cooking, as an ingredient in cereals, snacks, and as a gluten-free flour alternative.
  5. Broomcorn Sorghum: Broomcorn sorghum is a unique variety that is cultivated for its tall stalks with bushy seed heads. The long, stiff fibers from the seed heads are used to make brooms and brushes. The stalks can also be used for decorative purposes in crafts and floral arrangements.
  6. Ethiopian Sorghum: Ethiopia is known for its diverse range of sorghum varieties. In addition to being used for food, Ethiopian sorghum is also utilized in the production of traditional alcoholic beverages like "tella" and "katikala."

These are just a few examples, and there are many more regional varieties of sorghum with distinct uses and cultural significance.

Structure of Sorghum

Sorghum plants are tall, and leafy, and typically grow to a height of 6-10 feet (2-3 meters).

The structure of sorghum includes the following parts:

  1. Roots: Sorghum plants have a fibrous root system that is relatively shallow and spreads out in all directions to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
  2. Stems: The main stem of the sorghum plant is thick and hollow, with a series of joints or nodes that give the plant strength and stability. The stems are typically green or reddish and can be covered in fine hairs.
  3. Leaves: The leaves of sorghum plants are long and narrow, with a bluish-green color and a waxy surface. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a prominent midrib and veins.
  4. Flowers: Sorghum plants produce flowers in clusters at the top of the main stem. The flowers are typically small and have a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple.
  5. Seeds: The seeds of sorghum plants are small and round, with a hard outer layer or hull. The seeds are typically beige or brown, although some varieties can have red or black seeds. The seeds are used to make flour, meal, and other food products, as well as animal feed and biofuels.

Overall, the structure of sorghum is similar to that of other cereal crops such as wheat, rice, and corn, with a tall, upright growth habit and a range of plant parts that are important for growth, reproduction, and food production.

Types of Sorghum

There are many different types of sorghum, with varying characteristics and uses.

Here are some common types of sorghum:

  1. Grain sorghum: This is the most common type of sorghum and is grown primarily for its edible seeds, which can be used in a variety of food and feed products.
  2. Sweet sorghum: This type of sorghum is grown for its sweet juice, which can be used to make syrups, molasses, and other sweeteners.
  3. Forage sorghum: Forage sorghum is grown for animal feed and is typically taller and leafier than grain sorghum.
  4. Broomcorn: Broomcorn is a type of sorghum that is grown for its stiff fibers, which are used to make brooms and other household items.
  5. Sudan grass: This is a hybrid of sorghum and a related grass called sudangrass. It is typically used for forage and can be grown as a summer cover crop.
  6. Dual-purpose sorghum: This type of sorghum is grown for both grain and forage and is commonly used in areas with limited water resources.

Overall, the different types of sorghum have varying uses and characteristics, but all are valued for their versatility and ability to grow in a range of conditions.

Uses of Sorghum

Sorghum has many uses, including:

  1. Food: Sorghum is a staple food crop in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The grains can be ground into flour to make bread, porridge, and other dishes. Sorghum is also used to make beer, spirits, and other fermented beverages.
  2. Animal feed: Sorghum is a valuable source of feed for livestock, especially in areas where other feed sources are scarce. The grain can be used as a whole or ground into a meal and mixed with other ingredients to create a balanced diet for animals.
  3. Biofuel: Sorghum is a promising source of biofuel, as it produces high yields of biomass and can grow in a range of conditions. The stalks and leaves can be processed to make ethanol, which can be used as a fuel additive or as a standalone fuel.
  4. Industrial uses: Sorghum is used in a range of industrial applications, such as the production of paper, building materials, and bio-plastics.
  5. Ornamental use: Some varieties of sorghum are grown for their colorful foliage and can be used as ornamental plants in gardens or landscaping.

Overall, sorghum is a versatile crop that can be used for a variety of purposes, from food and feed to energy and industry.