Source of energy input and output for sustainable sorghum cultivation

The study was undertaken to estimate the amount of energy used in different farm activities of intensive sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivation in four selected villages in central India. Data was collected from the randomly selected farmers on the basis of pre-tested questionnaire. Input energy was calculated from human, animal, chemical, fertilizers, operation by machinery and other input sources. A month-wise energy input calender was constructed throughout the growing period of crop from July to October. This study revealed that the farm power utilization pattern adopted tractor drawn implements for land preparation but availability of human and draught animal power were not sufficient during the peak season. Total average input energy was 8788 MJ ha⁻¹ with fertilizers as major inputs and the output energy was 117900 to 144100 MJ ha⁻¹ under different categories of farmers.