REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON Paix – Travail – Patrie MINISTERE DE L'AGRICULTURE ET DU DEVELOPPEMENT RURAL SECRETARIAT GENERAL DIRECTION DES ORGANISATIONS PROFESSIONNELLES AGRICOLES ET DE L'APPUI AUX EXPLOITATIONS AGRICOLES SOUS-DIRECTION DE LA VULGARISATION AGRICOLE
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REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON Peace-Work-Fatherland MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT SECRETARIAT GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONNAL AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS AND SUPPORT TO FARM ENTERPRISES SUB-DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
# Data Sheet for Rainfed Sorghum Production and Post-Production
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October 2024
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# SUMMARY
OBJECTIVE... 3
I. GENERAL INFORMATION... 3
II. TECHNICAL ITINERARY... 3
II.1. Soil selection... 3
II.2. Soil preparation... 3
Choice of varieties:... 4
II.3. Quantity and treatment of seeds... 4
II.4. Sowing period and method... 4
II.5. Post-Sowing Operations... 4
II.6. Harvesting... 5
II.7. Threshing... 5
II.8. Storage... 5
III - Constraints and risks... 6
IV - Estimated operating account for 1 ha under cultivation (for illustration)... 6
IV - APPENDIXES... 9
4-1 Appendix 1: Favourable growing areas and conditions... 9
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# OBJECTIVE
The aim of this fact sheet is to increase the productivity and production of rainfed sorghum in order to mitigate the effects of the food crisis by providing producers with an updated collection of good agricultural practices. This collection takes into account measures to limit the vulnerability of production systems to climatic risks. It is a support and reference tool for extension workers / rural advisers as part of their efforts to build producers' capacities.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Sorghum is an important cereal crop that continues to grow in importance in the greater North of Cameroon, particularly rainfed sorghum (such as S-35 or Zouaye).
In general, one can notice that the planting material is being conserved and enriched, although in some places certain varieties are in the majority. Taste quality, market value, suitability for processing and culinary uses vary according to the type of sorghum, and also influence the choice of variety. Sorghum is very rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. Sorghum is used for human and animal consumption. It is made into alcoholic beverages, and its stalks are used as fencing material and firewood.
Grown in the Far-North, North and part of Adamawa, this crop has a growing cycle of 85 to 90 days. It requires very little water; it is a drought-resistant plant that can make do with 400 mm of rainfall a year. It requires very little fertiliser and plays a major role in preserving biodiversity.
II. TECHNICAL ITINERARY
II.1. Soil selection
For sorghum cultivation, it is recommended to choose sandy-loam, sandy-clay or silt-clay soils that are well drained, loose and not infested by Striga, with cotton, groundnut, cow peas, soy beans and crotalaria as previous crops.
II.2. Soil preparation
Option 1:
Clear, cut small shrubs and clear the plot, plough with a plough (donkey or cow) or with a tractor after a heavy rain.
Option 2: