Future directions for food security and diversity partnership and research strategy for sorghum

Future demand for sorghum is going to be different from the demand pattern observed at present and in the past. The demand for sorghum grain as food is expected to decline in the future while its demand as poultry feed, flour, ethanol (biofuel) and alcoholic beverages is going to increase. The demand for sorghum – both green and dry plants – as livestock feed will also go up. It is also expected that the demand for sorghum grain and stalk for industrial end use in nutrition and health products would increase. Thus, sorghum will essentially enhance the performance of integrated crop-livestock systems and improve options for commercialization in semi-arid agriculture. Therefore, any strategy to promote sorghum must be designed from this perspective. In addition to the shifts in demand for sorghum grain and stalk, the vast developments in science and scientific tools can be used for germplasm evaluation, selection, screening and development of new cultivars and their utilization. The progress in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can lead to the dissemination of knowledge and technology and the management and coordination of networks and partnerships. Visible changes have occurred in seed policies and seed delivery systems in countries where ICRISAT is operating. The new millennium has led to a new vision and strategies of the donor community. At present, agricultural research is viewed as a mechanism to alleviate poverty and hunger, ensure food security and sustain the livelihoods of poor communities around the world rather than just a means of increasing productivity. Considering these factors and the findings reported in previous chapters, there is a need to devise future strategies for sorghum breeding and partnership, formulate technology exchange policies and pave pathways for promoting diversity in sorghum cultivation