Performance of Sorghum Crop in India - An Analytical Study

Abstract

Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is the largest source of livelihoods in India. One third its rural households still depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihood, with 86 percent of farmers being small and marginal. Millets (sorghum, pearl millet and small millets) are the important food and fodder crops in semi-arid tropics. Millets are important cereals which play a significant role in the food and nutrition security of developing countries of Asia and Africa, especially in India, Nigeria. Sorghum (jowar) is one of the main coarse cereal crops of India. Sorghum is widely grown both for food and as a feed grain, while millets are produced almost entirely for food. The economic importance of the millets is increasing in terms of feed value, particularly that of sorghum though it is grown in contrasting situations in different parts of the world. The economic importance of the millets is increasing in terms of feed value, particularly that of sorghum though it is grown in contrasting situations in different parts of the world. Sorghum is the fourth most important food grain in India after Rice, Wheat, and Maize. During 1950-51, it was grown over 15.57 million hectares with a total production of 5.50 million Tones. Though the area under Sorghum in India has declined over time, production has remained more or less constant due to increase in yield. The present study is based on secondary data for the 60 years. The study examines growth rates of area, production and yield of Sorghum in India and as well as major Sorghum growing states. In order to examine the degree of relationship in area, production and yield, the statistical tools have been used. The study indicates that there will be deficit case of in the coming years which is a matter of concern. There is a scope for augmenting the production in the short run by improving the productivity without increasing the area through popularizing new varieties, expanding certified seed distribution, and improving crop management practices.