JOWAR (Sorghum)

• Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolor
• Chromosome Number (2n): 20
• Origin: Africa
• Grain Type: Caryopsis
• Title: Known as the King of Coarse Cereals
• Protein Content: 9–11%
• Research Institute: Directorate of Sorghum Research, Hyderabad
• Nickname: “Camel crop” due to its drought resistance
• Inflorescence: Panicle (called head)
• First Hybrid: CSH-1 (Released in 1964)
• Problematic Weed: Striga spp. (Witch weed) — a partial root parasite also affecting Pearl Millet

Nutritional Value:

• Rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants
• Gluten-free; suitable for celiac patients
• Used to make bhakri, roti, porridges, fermented products

Climate Requirement:

• Warm and dry climate, optimum temp. 26-30°C
• Drought-tolerant crop, ideal for rainfed conditions
• Grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons

Soil Requirement:

• Loamy to sandy loam soil with good drainage
• pH: 6.0 to 8.5 (tolerates slightly saline soils)

Major Sorghum Growing States:

• Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
• In 2024, Maharashtra is expected to produce approximately 1.4 million metric tons of sorghum.

Seed Rate:

• Grain production: 10–12 kg/ha
• Fodder purpose: 40–50 kg/ha

Important Varieties:

• Rabi High Yield Variety: M 35-1
• Multicut Fodder Variety: SSG-58-8
• Drought & Salinity Tolerant Variety: CSH-9
• Male Sterile Line: Combine kafir-60
• CSH-14, CSH-16, CSH-18 – grain hybrids
• CSV 15, CSV 20, CSV 21 – improved varieties
• SSV-84, COFS-29, CSH-24MF – fodder purpose

Basic Races of Sorghum:

• Bicolor, Guinea, Caudatum, Kafir, Durra

Forage Considerations:

• Should be used after 50% flowering to avoid HCN poisoning
• Young sorghum (knee stage) contains high hydrocyanic acid (dhurin/prussic acid), which is toxic to livestock
• As little as 0.5g of HCN can be lethal under drought-stress grazing

Diseases & Pests:

• Shoot fly, stem borer, midge – major pests
• Anthracnose, downy mildew, sooty stripe, rust – diseases
• Integrated pest management recommended

Weed Management:

• Pre-emergence herbicides: Atrazine or Simazine @ 0.5-1.0 kg/ha
• Intercultural operations also help reduce weed pressure

Fertilizer Recommendation:

• 100:50:40 NPK kg/ha (general recommendation)
• Apply 50% N as basal, remaining in 2 splits

 Harvesting Time:

• At physiological maturity (moisture content 20-25%)
• Delay can cause grain loss due to shattering or bird damage

Storage Tips:

• Dry grain to <12% moisture
• Use neem leaves or ash to avoid storage pests

Other Key Points:

• Biofertilizer: Azospirillum
• Herbicide: Simazine
• Harvesting: For grains, should be done at <25% moisture
• For Forage: Best after flowering