Sorghum farming rises in Moldova with Japan aid
Sorghum harvest has begun in northern and central the Republic of Moldova, a crop that is still relatively new to the country.
Though not yet widely known locally, it is highly valued for its drought resistance. Farmers in Grigorăuca, Sîngerei, who grew sorghum as part of a project supported by the Government of Japan, are placing high hopes on this promising crop.
The sorghum crop is drought-resistant and is quickly gaining ground in Moldovan fields. It was sown in May, and the harvest is in full swing by the end of September. This year, farmers have grown over 600 hectares of this crop.
Lucian Balan, a farmer with over 10 years of experience, decided this year to grow sorghum on a 50-hectare area, instead of the traditional maize (corn).
“Sorghum responds well to the climate in drought years; even when maize yields nothing, we can still harvest one, two, or three tons of sorghum. Agriculture's future is the agriculture of knowledge and climate adaptation,” Balan notes.
“I like the sorghum crop. I have never grown it before, but with the support of other farmers who are helping me and have better knowledge, we are trying to grow this crop in our district,” says Andrei Gadîrca, another farmer.
As part of the project financed by the Government of Japan, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) distributed six tons of sorghum seeds to 280 small farmers across 22 districts in May.
“This crop can be used as fodder for livestock and poultry, which adds additional value to the crop. The project is funded by the Government of Japan with a value of $560,000 allowing us to see the results of sorghum,” emphasizes Tudor Robu, Deputy Representative of FAO in Moldova.
“I really enjoy visiting the agricultural lands in Moldova. Just like in Japan, the farmers are honest, hardworking and generous, and I greatly appreciate seeing this sincere attitude towards their life and work,” says Yoichiro Yamada, the Japanese Ambassador to Chișinău.
“I am certain that sorghum will become a part of Moldovan agriculture. Perhaps, over time, we will reach 100,000 hectares. It would serve as a great replacement crop that would sustain the economic operators, such as farmers and businesses,” states Vasile Șarban, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The project will run until March 2026. It aims to assist over a thousand farmers.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
