Sweet Sorghum

Dr Anil K Rajvanshi, the man behind the e-rickshaws and biomass gasifiers, was awarded the Padma Shri this year for his work in the field of renewable energy research.

A dry land crop, it uses 40 per cent less water than sugarcane to produce sugar. Besides, it is a 3-4 month crop, which can be harvested twice a year.

Many Indian farmers suffer from a food vs. fuel debate, where growing one kind of crop forces them to abandon the other. However, sweet sorghum is a unique agricultural product that provides food, fuel, and fodder, all from the same piece of land, increasing efficiency and revenue potential.

This amazing crop can be fully utilized and has many uses. The grains, the stem and even the leftover bagasse can be used completely. Know more about how Dr. Anil Rajvanshi and his innovation centre NARI at Phaltan, Maharashtra brought this crop to India and put it to many innovative uses.