Assessment of Handling Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Grains in Production Areas

Abstract

A postharvest handling farm survey was conducted on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grains as an alternative staple crop adapted in arid and semi-arid lands. The objective of the study was to determine postharvest handling of sorghum grains. Eighty eight farmers were sampled using snowball sampling method in six sorghum growing sub-counties (Siaya, Bondo, Njoro, Rongai, Kibwezi and Kathonzweni). Data collected  was on varieties, drying method, storage form and proportion lost due to mould was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software descriptive statistic cross tabulation. The results showed that farmers preferred local varieties than the improved sorghum varieties. Sorghum grains were either stored in shelled form or on panicles. Mould occurrence in the field and storage in the sub-counties as hazard handling of the grains. This study further established that farmers maintain a diversity of sorghum to reduce on the proportion lost either as storage duration of grains and biotic stress resistance. The results of the study can be used to explain erratic food insecurity in these sub-counties with potential of sorghum production.