Best Farming Practices : Sorghum
Optimal Growing Conditions
Temperature: Best growth at temperatures above 10°C.
Soil Requirements: Thrives in sandy loam soils with good drainage and organic matter.
pH Levels: Should not drop below 4.5 on sandy soils and 4.7 on clay soils.
Early weeding is crucial for high yields.
Herbicides: Use low-dose “Atrazine” pre-emergence application.
Bird Protection: Brown-seeded varieties like ZSV 36R deter bird attacks.
Common Pests: Shootfly, armoured crickets, and stem borers require timely
intervention with insecticides.
Weed & Pest Control
Timing: First to third week of December (low rainfall areas); up to mid-January (high
rainfall areas).
Seed Rate: 7-10 kg/ha for grain; 15-20 kg/ha for forage.
Spacing: 60-90 cm between rows, 15-30 cm within rows.
Fertilization: 200 kg/ha basal (‘D’ compound) + 100 kg/ha top dressing (urea).
Planting
Maturity Indicator: Grains turn from green to black at the attachment point.
Harvest Methods: Manual harvesting for small plots; combine harvesters for large-
scale production.
Storage: Store in well-ventilated granaries to prevent pest infestations.
Harvesting & Storage
Sorghum : The Resilient Grain for every Farmer
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a staple cereal crop, perfectly suited for Zambia’s diverse climates. Whether you're farming in low or high rainfall regions, Zamseed offers premium sorghum varieties designed to thrive under tough conditions. With its deep root system, wax-coated leaves, and drought-resistant properties, sorghum remains the go-to crop for farmers facing erratic rainfall.
Why Choose Sorghum?
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Drought Resilient: Withstands harsh conditions better than maize.
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Versatile Uses: Ideal for food, brewing, and forage.
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High-Yielding Varieties: Open-pollinated and hybrid options available for maximum productivity.
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Disease and Pest Resistance: Improved varieties reduce losses from common sorghum threats.
Sorghum Varieties
Zamseed provides farmers with premium-quality, high-yielding sorghum seeds suited to
Zambia’s unique agricultural needs. Whether you need grain for food, forage for livestock,
or brewing sorghum, we have the right variety for you.
MMSH-1365
Short red-seeded hybrid with bird resistance and stay-green trait.
Resistant to common diseases like downy mildew and leaf blight.
Height: 130-140 cm
Maturity: 100-115 days
Yield: 4-6 tons/ha.
MMSH-1324
Early maturing hybrid with superior grain quality and high yield.
Excellent resistance to most diseases except anthracnose.
Height: Medium
Maturity: Early
Yield: 3-6 tons/ha.
MMSH-413
Brown grain hybrid with higher tannin content and excellent malting properties.
Disease-resistant and high-yielding, ideal for Zambia and neighboring countries.
Height: 210-240 cm
Maturity: 110-116 days
Yield: 5-10 tons/ha.
MMSH-375
High-yielding brown grain hybrid with good disease resistance.
Widely adapted across Zambia and the region.
Height: 210-240 cm
Maturity: 110-120 days
Yield: 4-8 tons/ha.
ZSV 36R
Red grain variety ideal for food and brewing, with minimal bird damage.
Best suited for low rainfall areas.
Height: 130-170 cm
Maturity: 110-120 days
Yield: 2-5 tons/ha.
ZSV 17
Short, semi-compact white grain variety with a cylindrical panicle.
Retains green leaves after maturity, enhancing resistance to diseases.
Height: 100-140 cm
Maturity: 112-118 days
Yield: 4-5 tons/ha.
ZSV 16
Open-pollinated, stay-green variety with juicy stems.
Resistant to lodging, termites, and grain moulds.
Height: 140-200 cm
Maturity: 115-120 days
Yield: 5-6 tons/ha.
ZSV 15
Widely adapted, high-quality white grain variety with disease resistance.
An improved alternative to Kuyuma for drier regions.
Height: 140-160 cm
Maturity: 100-112 days
Yield: 3-5 tons/ha.
Sima
Dual-purpose variety for grain and forage with juicy, sweet stalks.
Adapted to all three agro-climatic zones of Zambia.
Height: 210-230 cm
Maturity: 110-120 days
Yield: 3-6 tons/ha.
Kuyuma
Early maturing white grain variety with excellent milling properties.
Best suited for low rainfall regions.
Height: 140-170 cm
Maturity: 100-115 days
Yield: 3-5 tons/ha.