Understanding Drought in
Sorghum: What Science Reveals
(PB Kale and Prachi Mahajan, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri)
🌾 Why Sorghum Matters
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is
a lifeline crop for millions of farmers living in semi-arid and arid regions
across Asia and Africa. In countries like India, where agriculture often
depends on unpredictable rainfall, sorghum provides:
- Food
security (as
a staple grain)
- Fodder for livestock
- Raw
material for
industries
Its natural ability to survive
under harsh conditions makes it a “climate-resilient crop.” However, even
sorghum is not immune to drought stress, which remains one of the
biggest challenges to its productivity.
🌦️ The Problem: Drought Stress
Drought affects plants at multiple levels:
