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Sorghum / Jowar (Sorghum bicolor)

Sorghum or jowar (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a major dual-purpose cereal/fodder grown on about 8 million ha in India in both kharif (June-July sowing) and rabi (Sept-Oct sowing) seasons.

Key characteristics

  • Mandate Institute: ICAR-IIMR Hyderabad
  • Area India: ~8 million ha
  • Top States: Maharashtra + Karnataka = 57.2% of production
  • Varieties Released AICRP: 35 hybrids + 32 varieties + ~175 state varieties
  • Seasons: Kharif (Jun-Jul) and Rabi (Sep-Oct)

Cultivation and adoption

Maharashtra and Karnataka contribute 57.2% of national output. ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad coordinates AICRP-Sorghum, which has released 35 hybrids and 32 varieties (including 1 sweet-sorghum hybrid, 2 sweet-sorghum varieties, 3 single-cut and 2 multi-cut forage hybrids) plus ~175 state varieties.

References

  1. Indian Institute of Millets Research. https://www.millets.res.in/aicrp.php
  2. AICRP-Sorghum - ICAR. https://aicrp.icar.gov.in/sorghum/