As our planet continues to warm due to climate change, developing resilience in our food systems has become an urgent priority. More extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall put staple crops like wheat, rice and corn at risk. However, ancient, hardy grains like sorghum and millets have natural advantages that make them ideal for adapting agriculture to these climate challenges.
Sorghum and millets have a high tolerance for drought, heat, and water scarcity compared to other cereal crops. Sorghum requires only one-third as much water as corn and thrives in very arid conditions. This gives it a crucial buffer during times of low and uneven rainfall expected under climate change. Millets are similarly hardy and can produce reliable yields even in poor growing environments. As climate uncertainties rise, the resilience of sorghum and millets will become increasingly important.
In addition to climate adaptation benefits, sorghum and millets provide sustainability advantages. As C4 plants, they utilize sunlight, water and nitrogen resources very efficiently to produce more food energy and nutrition per unit of input. Their extensive root systems help reduce soil erosion, retain moisture in the ground, and replenish nutrients. With relatively low needs for fertilizers and pesticides, sorghum and millets are affordable and accessible for resource-poor farmers.
On a global scale, sorghum is currently the 5th most important cereal crop after rice, wheat, maize and barley. It serves as a dietary staple grain for millions of people living in semi-arid regions of Africa and India. Millets, though less widely produced than sorghum, are a critical source of nutrition across rural communities in Asia and Africa. Expanding cultivation of these resilient, affordable grains should be a top priority to protect food security in vulnerable regions as climate change accelerates.
But sorghum and millets have potential beyond staple crops. With their ability to thrive in difficult environments, they can diversify agriculture and strengthen food security even in temperate regions. The U.S., for example, grows sorghum and millets almost exclusively for animal feed. But as weather extremes make commodity crops like corn and soybeans less reliable, incorporating more sorghum and millets into crop rotations would build important resilience in America's productive grain belt. These ancient grains can be utilized for a wide range of products suited for direct human consumption, from breads to cereals to gluten-free beers.
Realizing the full potential of sorghum and millets requires strategic efforts on multiple fronts. Continued investment in plant breeding and agronomic research is crucial to develop improved crop varieties and production practices. Policy changes are also needed to facilitate getting these climate-smart grains to market and integrated into food systems. Initiatives like those from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to promote the utilization of sorghum and millets in Africa through processing technologies and product development provide excellent examples to follow.
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Farmers play a vital role in expanding climate-smart agriculture. With proper information and incentives, they can adopt sorghum, millets and other resilient crops into their rotations. Companies along the supply chain must also innovate to create ingredients and consumer products that add value to ancient grains. And consumers can support the growth of a climate-friendly food system by purchasing products made with resilient crops.
In many regions, cultural preferences for the taste of corn, wheat or rice may inhibit adoption of alternative grains. Therefore, investments in marketing, education and behavior change are necessary to build wider acceptance and demand for climate-adapted foods. Food aid policy may also need reform to allow for purchase of sorghum and millets directly from local farmers rather than giving away less climate-appropriate grains.
Achieving global food security in the face of climate change will depend on transitioning to more diverse, resilient agriculture. Sorghum and millets, with their ability to produce reliable yields under high heat and water stress, will be essential resources.
Nate Blum serves as the chief executive officer of BlüMilo and Sorghum United.
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