Sorghum is the fifth most important grain crop after maize, wheat, rice and barley and when it comes to marketability this crop can surely provide an out-of-the-box plan for savvy investors. The crop performs well in most parts of Kenya with best returns being recorded in semi-arid areas like Mwingi and warmer areas like Siaya. Perhaps the best thing with sorghum is that it has a ready market and it only takes four months to mature. But just how profitable is it as an investment? We explore.
Conditions for Growth
Sorghum is a drought resistant crop that can survive in areas with a minimum 420mm rainfall supply per annum. The crop requires fairly fertile and well drained soils. It can also grow in high altitude areas as well with high rainfall supply but at that level it is susceptible to pests such as shoot fly and downy mildew disease.
Popular Sorghum Variety in Kenya
The most popular variety (in terms of marketability) is GADAM variety. It is gray in colour and, according to Kenya Seed, it is tolerant to bird invasion, stem bores and foliar diseases. GADAM is an excellent source of malt which is used to produce alcoholic beverages. This high yield variety matures in 4 months yielding an average of 500 Kilograms per acre. In some farms, the yield goes to as high as 1,500 kilograms per acre. To get the best returns, it is recommended to purchase certified seeds from the agro-vet.
Planting and Caring for the Crop
Planting is usually done by broadcasting the seeds on tilled land with furrows. You can leave about 15 cm space in between two stands. For maximum yield, use farm-based manure. The biggest challenge sorghum farmers face is the invasion of Quelea bird which feeds on mature sorghum seeds causing serious loses. This is dealt with by either hiring someone to watch over the crop or by contracting the Ministry of Agriculture for assistance.
Where Is The Market?
Biggest demand for sorghum mainly comes from EABL through its subsidiary the East Africa Malting Limited. They use the sorghum to make a popular beer called Senator Keg whose demand has been rising steadily over the years after the government reduced its excise duty by 90% and banned illicit brews. According to a recent report, farmers are currently producing 19,000 tonnes against the company’s annual demand of about 30,000 tonnes. It would be advisable to get in touch with the company in advance so that you can plan properly.
But aside from EABL you can create your own market through value addition e.g. by making cookies, porridge and even buns which you can then supply to the market.
How Much To Invest (Per Acre)
Land Preparation – Ksh10,000
Planting & Harvesting – Ksh10,000
Miscellaneous – Ksh10,000
Total Budget – Ksh30,000
How Much Can I Make?
On average an acre of land produces around 500 Kilograms per four-month season. With good farming practices and proper education a similar farm can produce up to 3,000 kilograms per season. If you choose to sell your produce to the beer maker, you will part with each Kilo at Ksh33. Here’s an estimate of revenue per annum.
Low Yield per acre – Ksh50,000
Bumper Harvest per acre – Ksh400,000
At the same time you can choose the path of value addition where you will have the freedom to dictate the price against market forces.
Verdict
Sorghum farming can be a good investment although you really need to dedicate yourself to it in order to realize its returns. In addition, it is important to make use of the latest farming tips in order to work towards realizing maximum yields per acreage. This is not one of those business ventures you get into to get rich over-night but if done right sorghum farming can make you a millionaire in a few seasons. So if you feel you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this, don’t overthink – go for it.
