Economics of sweet sorghum feedstock production for bioethanol

Sweet sorghum is similar to grain sorghum but possesses sugar-rich stalks, with higher juice content. Because of its rapid growth, high sugar accumulation, high biomass production potential and wider adapt ability, sweet sorghum can be grown in different agro-climatic conditions. The sugar content in the juice extracted from sweet sorghum varies from 16-23% Brix. It has good potential for jaggery and syrup production besides ethanol. The grain can be used as food and the bagasse after extraction of juice from stalks is an excellent livestock feed. The potential food vs. fuel conflict from the diversion of crop land for cultivation of ‘bioethanol’ crops does not arise with sweet sorghum as it meets the multiple requirements the food, fuel and fodder