Grain Sorghum: Economic Potential and Technological Innovations Boost Planted Area in Brazil

(IHARA) With an expanding market, sorghum stands out for its versatility, providing economic benefits for both farmers and Brazilian agribusiness -- Sorghum, one of the most cultivated cereals in the world, continues to gain prominence in Brazil, with the planted area growing with each harvest, reaching 1.5 million hectares and an average productivity of 3,225 kg/hectare, according to data from the Cogo Agribusiness Intelligence Consulting. Production is concentrated mainly in Goiás, Minas Gerais, Bahia and São Paulo. Traditionally cultivated for animal feed, this crop has consolidated itself not only as a strategic alternative for crop rotation, but also as an important source of food for human consumption and biofuels.

“This versatility and increasing liquidity, combined with financial attractiveness, make sorghum increasingly recognized and adopted by farmers. Considered one of the most flexible options for second-crop crops, due to its adaptability to the climate and resistance to water stress, it can be grown in regions with less water availability in winter,” explains agricultural engineer and Regional Marketing Manager at IHARA, Valdumiro Garcia.

With great potential for ethanol production, sorghum is a promising raw material in the biofuels industry. In addition, this crop adapts well to soils with limited fertility and acidity, allowing the production of biomass in areas where other crops may not thrive. Its production cycle is shorter, which contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions, as sorghum sequesters more CO² from the soil.

Economic perspectives for culture

In economic terms, sorghum is positioned as a viable alternative to increase the revenue of the production system, having a cost 20% to 30% lower than second-crop corn, which increases profitability in the field and makes the crop strategic for Brazilian producers.

Regarding the price of sorghum, which is closely linked to that of corn, it corresponds to between 80% and 85% of the value of corn, since both grains are widely used in animal feed and have similar market demands. This ensures high liquidity in the sorghum market, high demand during the harvest period and in the off-season, with many industries entering into purchase contracts based on future corn prices on B3.

“Sorghum has become a strategic crop that transforms challenges into opportunities, offering high productivity, lower production costs and great adaptability. It boosts farmers’ profitability and ensures economic and environmental sustainability for Brazil,” says Carlos Cogo, managing partner of the consultancy Cogo Inteligência em Agronegócio.

Challenges and innovations in insect and disease control

With technological innovations, sorghum has the potential to achieve productivity of over 6,000 kg/hectare, which represents a great opportunity for producers and one of the biggest bets for the future of Brazilian agribusiness. However, to ensure high production rates, farmers need to invest in efficient insect and disease management.

In this sense, IHARA, a research and development company for agricultural pesticides, invests in solutions such as the insecticide TERMINUS and the fungicide FUSÃO EC in order to protect crops by effectively controlling these threats, ensuring high productivity and profitability of the crop.

TERMINUS, with Japanese technology and national production, is indicated for controlling insects such as aphids, which significantly affect crops. Its formula offers high shock power and residual action, with consistent performance regardless of weather conditions. The product's OD (oil dispersion) technology increases adhesion to leaves, ensuring greater protection against bad weather and providing rapid penetration of the product into the plants.

FUSÃO EC, in turn, is a fungicide with high absorption and translocation speed by plants, ensuring fast and prolonged systemic action, even in adverse weather conditions. With exclusive benefits, FUSÃO enhances its action, providing effective protection against sorghum diseases.

Another relevant product from IHARA is the fungicide CERCOBIN 875 WG, indicated for controlling diseases in the aerial part of the plant. Its formulation guarantees a long residual effect, keeping crops protected for longer.

About IHARA

IHARA is a research and development company that has been providing solutions for Brazilian agriculture for 59 years, a sector in which it is recognized as a source of innovation and Japanese technology as a brand that enjoys the credibility and trust of its customers. The company has a complete portfolio of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, biologicals, acaricides and special products, totaling more than 80 solutions that contribute to the protection of more than 100 different types of crops, helping farmers to produce more and more food, with higher quality and in a sustainable manner. In 2022, IHARA entered the pasture segment, offering innovative solutions for Brazilian livestock farmers. For more information, visit the IHARA website. READ MORE