Sorghum
Sorghum Representation
Grain SA personnel and executive members represent producers at the SA Sorghum Forum, the Sorghum Research Technical Committee and the Sorghum Cluster Initiative whilst continuing to collaborate and network with the various role players. GSA also represents grain producers at the Agriculture- and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) committee.
Harvesting & Planting
Beer
Mabele
Bio-fuel
Average Annual Production* = 133,43 tons
* Average production between 2019/2020 to 2023/2024 production seasons (5 years)
SORGHUM
Focus Areas
Cultivar Trails
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Promote profitability and sustainability of sorghum in South Africa.
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Provide producers with independent information on the performance and adaptability of sorghum cultivars.
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Include new cultivars annually in the trials.
Quelea Control
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Collaboration to ensure Quelea bird control by the DALRRD (Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development).
Transparent Market Information
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The collecting & capturing international and local data, processed and assimilated into convenient format focussed on the end-user.
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Calculation and publication of derived producer prices. Focussed on providing timely & accurate market related information to all role players in the sorghum and grain industries.
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Grain SA database includes:
• General economic indicators
• International grain market data
• Domestic grain market data
Turnaround Strategy
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With the intent to increase local demand for grain sorghum, provide better grain sorghum information promoting transparency and to cultivate improved relations between producers and buyers.
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Grain SA formed part of an industry-wide grain sorghum study to investigate methods to grow the industry.
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Grain SA was instrumental in forming a Sorghum Cluster to address and implement the outcomes and recommendations of the industry-wide study. Grain SA also acts as the co-ordinator of the Cluster.
Sorghum Cluster Initiatives - 5 Strategic Actions
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Policy initiative:. Removal of VAT on sorghum
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Creating awareness campaign to, amongst other, stimulate local consumption
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Evaluation of exotic germplasm as a precursor to sorghum pre-breeding
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Alternative Quelea control methods
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Establishment of an agro-processing facility and market analysis for the sorghum value chain upgrade