Seeing the potential of sorghum for additional income of the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga is now embarking on the initial campaign for the farmers to plant the new commodity.

Through field demonstrations, DA-Caraga showcased the potential production, yield, and adaptability of sorghum in the region.

Since 2020, DA-Caraga had already conducted various activities to promote the crop through the establishment of eight sorghum technology demonstrations (techno demo), of which the latest is the conduct of the field day in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur last August 13.

“Our techno demos were conducted in corn cluster areas since sorghum is one of the commodities under the corn program. Farmer cooperators were provided with seeds and inputs, as well as technical training,” said Regional Corn Program Coordinator Melody Guimary.

In Tagbina’s Field Day, the proprietor of AMCB Enterprises of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur attended personally and shared that his company will is in need of sorghum. The company requires around 6,000 kilograms of sorghum per month with a current buying price of P16.00 - P17.00 for dried sorghum grains.

“If Caraga Region can supply sorghum, we are willing to patronize our local farmer’s produce rather than importing it from other countries,” he emphasized.

Farm management of sorghum is much the same as corn farming, but farmers may harvest twice through the ratoon cropping or the cultivation of crop growth after harvest.

Sorghum is a kind of plant that belongs to the grass family. Some of its species are grown as cereals for human consumption and some in pastures for animals. (Aurelius Arais, DA13-RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)