PUMMY KUMARI, DIBYENDU SETH, SATPAL, SACHIN YADAV, NEERAJ KHAROR, G. S. DAHIYA, D. S. PHOGAT AND DALWINDER PAL SINGH
ICAR-AICRP on Sorghum & Small Millets, Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: pummy.hau@gmail.com)
(Received: 7 March 2026; Accepted: 21 March 2026)
SUMMARY
The current article focuses on investigating the feasibility of producing silage from forage sorghum, emphasizing its potential as an affordable and superior substitute for conventional choices like corn. Sorghum’s adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, especially its exceptional drought tolerance and low water requirement, makes it an ideal candidate crop for regions with water scarcity. Additionally, its cost effectiveness and ability to produce high biomass on marginal lands further strengthen its role as a sustainable option for silage production. This article provides an overview of the techniques involved in producing quality sorghum silage including advantages of sorghum silage over other sources. It reviews key cultivation practices and the importance of harvesting sorghum at the right stage of crop growth to maximize digestibility and nutritional quality. A step-by- step guide for the ensiling process has been discussed, elaborating best practices for chopping, compacting and fermenting the crop to ensure quality silage with minimal nutrient loss. This review highlights and compares sorghum silage to that obtained from alternatives, demonstrating its ability to support healthy livestock growth. Through the focused discussion, the article aims to equip agricultural professionals and farmers with practical insights and strategies to improve livestock nutrition, reducing production costs, promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing farm profitability through efficient use of sorghum as silage.
Key words: Sorghum, Silage, Ensiling, Nutrients and Livestock health