DA pushes sorghum as alternative animal feed

THE Department of Agriculture ( DA) is targeting to begin next year the propagation of sorghum, a grass variety which produces protein-rich grains, as an alternative to corn for animal feeds, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said on Monday.

Sorghum farming, which could

expected to supplement yellow corn needed for feeds for poultry and livestock industries in the country.

He said the DA would establish the Sorghum Production Program (SPP), which will be implemented mainly in indigenous peoples’ (IPs) ancestral domain areas as the commodity “could be easily grown in poor soil.”

“Sorghum could also be harvested three times because of its ratooning characteristics where it regrows when cut at ground level,”

The agriculture chief pointed out that the rapid growth of poultry and livestock industries has tremendously increased demand for yellow corn, pushing prices up.

This prompted the DA to look for alternatives for animal feeds which could also provide alternative sources of livelihood to Filipino farmers, he added.

Under the SPP, the DA Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) will be the lead agency.

distribute sorghum seeds, including fertilizers, to IP farmers, the value of which will be deducted from the proceeds after harvest to make the program sustainable.

The current price of sorghum seeds is P5,600 per bag which is good for two hectares.

“The feed millers said they are willing to enter into a marketing and supply agreement with the

initiate the production of sorghum in the country.

“It has been introduced in the country many years ago but it did not receive the needed push from