Drought-tolerant crops, such as sorghum, pearl millet, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and groundnuts, are being grown in areas where water is scarce. These crops are not cash crops but are used for subsistence and have high nutritional value. They are versatile and can be used for food, animal feed, building materials, and fuel.
In areas of the world where drought is a common occurrence, many types of crops are prevented from growing and famine can become an increasingly widespread problem. There is often plenty of arable land in these areas, but not enough water. Subsequently, much work has gone into growing drought tolerant crops that do not require much irrigation. These crops are not intended as cash crops but rather as subsistence crops for food and materials. Different types of drought tolerant crops include sorghum, pearl millet and chickpeas, as well as pigeon peas and peanuts.
Sorghum is a grain cereal crop that includes many different species, most of which are useful as drought tolerant crops. Various food products can be made from sorghum, including porridge and bread. People also cook it in different ways, from grinding into flour to boiling the grains. This type of crop has a high yield potential and is very versatile as it can also be used for animal feed. It is gluten-free, very nutritious and has antioxidant properties.
Pearl millet is an annual herb that is also very versatile. In addition to a variety of food products, cereals and straw can be used for animal feed, as building materials and for making fuel. It is also quite resistant to pests and has long storage capacities. Pearl millet is highly nutritious and provides a source of methionine, calcium and iron.
Chickpeas are another example of drought tolerant crops. These seeds are used in a huge variety of food products, often made into flour or eaten whole in dishes. People also eat the immature sprouts and seeds as a vegetable in their own right. Chickpeas are highly nutritious and provide a good source of zinc, folic acid and phosphorus. They are also very high in protein and dietary fiber and are gluten-free.
Pigeon peas are often grown mixed in with other drought tolerant crops. The seeds are rich in protein and vitamin B and are eaten whole, hulled or ground into a flour from which people make a number of different foods. These peas can also be made into split peas or dhal. This crop has good storage potential and is also versatile with its woody stems being used for a variety of applications including firewood, fencing and thatching for buildings. Pigeon peas are also an excellent source of nitrogen and can be used as a fertilizer.
A final type of drought-tolerant crop is the groundnut, also known as groundnut. Although people eat the legume itself in a number of food items, the oil is also edible and widely used. Peanuts are an excellent staple crop due to their high protein content and the presence of vitamins E, K and B complex. They are also a good source of folate and fiber and have antioxidant qualities. People also process peanuts into cakes that can be used for animal feed.
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