Exploring, Discovering! Sorghum Trials To Start In Samar, Pangasinan

Sorghum, the third most important grain for human food and feeds, will be planted in 3-hectare pilot farms in Pangasinan and Samar Island next month.
While Sorghum suitability tests had already been done in these areas when I was Secretary of Agriculture, we will once again conduct farm trials using at least three hybrids produced by Scott Seed Company of Hereford, Texas.
The tests will determine which of the three Hybrids will perform well in the two areas based on soil and climatic adaptability.
Sorghum will be introduced in Pangasinan to prepare for the establishment of a Feed Mill which would produce Aqua feeds at lower prices to support the fish cage farming industry.
In Samar, it will be introduced as one of the experimental crops included in the Samar Island Development Advocacy which I have initiated to support livestock, poultry and aquaculture.
Compared to corn, Sorghum which has a crude protein content of between 10% to 14% has a lower price and it is more tolerant to droughts or long dry spells needing only 25% of the water requirement of corn.
Sorghum stalks also remain green even at harvest time making these ideal materials for silage production for big and small ruminants.
The price of Sorghum seeds is also lower than Corn and it has an outstanding ratooning capability, meaning that with just one planting, a Sorghum farmer harvests three times because the plant regrows.
As the prices of feed materials have increased tremendously, Sorghum stands as a practical option in the production of feeds and even human food.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!