Millet Production Could Be the Solution to the Food Crisis

Sorghum Production to Address Food Crisis The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted the need for the world to increase focus on sorghum cultivation in response to droughts and food crises occurring globally. Fen Beed, an FAO official, noted that sorghum has been cultivated for centuries in many parts of the world, stating, "Many countries should now revisit their agricultural roots and review what they can produce as alternatives to what they currently import." According to FAO sources, the cultivation rate of sorghum varieties, which currently account for less than 3 percent of world grain trade, is rapidly increasing in many countries through the organization's support and investment in arid regions. World Food Programme Spokesperson Tatenda Macheka stated that sorghum farming in countries like Zimbabwe experiencing food shortages helps "reduce food insecurity." Sorghum, which can be easily grown even in arid and unfavorable soils and has numerous varieties, provides a healthy alternative to grains whose supply has become problematic for many countries due to pandemics, droughts and wars. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization designated 2023 as the "Year of Sorghum" due to concerns about global food supply. The Government of Zimbabwe is reported to be providing technical knowledge and expert support to farmers in rural areas on alternative grain cultivation. Source: (AA)