Impact of INTSORMIL Program and Panamerican Agriculture School in the Production of Sorghum in Honduras

Abstract

Since 1981 the INTSORMIL Program has supported research and technology transfer activities to improve the food security and economic benefits to sorghum producers in Central America. In Honduras, sorghum is mainly used for animal feed; however, it represents an alternative food supply for subsistence farmers because it can be a suitable substitute for corn for tortillas, a staple food for the majority of the Honduran rural population. The program in Honduras was based on technical and inter-institutional collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana. Since more than 50% of sorghum production comes from hillside subsistence farmers in the southern region of Honduras, the proposed improved cropping system included a package of soil conservation techniques, together with the use of INTSORMIL improved varieties, moderate use of fertilizers and better agronomic practices. Three varieties, Sureño, Catracho and Tortillero were released in the mid-eighties. Forty percent of interviewed farmers adopted the suggested technological package resulting in a net 15% immediate income increase for the beneficiaries. The combination of soil conservation techniques, new production practices and the use of superior genetic materials resulted in a promising model for hillside subsistence farmers in Honduras. The INTSORMIL Program also worked on the genetic improvement of local materials (“maicillos criollos”) with higher yield potential and already adapted to hillside areas. Grain quality, processing and utilization in food products for human consumption, as well as market demand were topics also addressed by the project.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i1.972