Global Production and Demand for Sorghum and Millet to the Year 2000

The present status of production of sorghum and millet in the seven semi-arid tropical regions and the world is shown, together with the contribution from these crops to total calorie availability and consumption. Future yields are projected from past trends and taking into consideration estimates of the impact of ongoing and planned research and extension efforts; also future demand is projected, taking into account income and population growth rates. The projected supply and demand are compared. Two scenario analyses, one at the all-India level and the other at the global level, are presented, projecting sorghum and millet production, consumption, and prices into the year 2000. Issues are raised concerning the possibilities and requirements for improving the projected situations. Various strategies are discussed, such as breeding for stability vs yield; maize vs sorghum; and fodder vs grain