Indonesia’s BRIN Partners with Private Firm to Research Sorghum as a Nutritious Alternative Food
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has announced a collaboration with a private company to conduct research on sorghum as an alternative food source. Sorghum is recognized for its rich nutritional profile, containing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, as well as essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B.
Achmat Sarifudin, head of BRIN’s Research Center for Appropriate Technology in the Subang Science Area, highlighted that sorghum’s resilience to drought enables it to adapt to various soil conditions. He noted, “Sorghum contains fiber which is beneficial for digestion, prevents constipation, and supports healthy gut microbiota. Furthermore, sorghum serves as a high-quality substitute for rice due to its elevated protein and fiber content.”
Through this partnership with PT Dahana, BRIN aims to advance research on appropriate technology, encompassing everything from seed selection and planting methods to post-harvest processes. PT Dahana will contribute land for the community’s sorghum cultivation.
Sarifudin expressed optimism that this collaboration would enhance job opportunities and bolster the local economy while providing nutritious alternative food options. “This collaboration is expected to help the community by offering food that has good nutrition,” he remarked.
Given its impressive nutritional profile, sorghum also presents a promising solution for reducing stunting rates among vulnerable populations. Each 100 grams of sorghum contains approximately 322 calories, 11 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fat, 73 grams of carbohydrates, 2.3% fiber, 28 milligrams of calcium, 287 milligrams of phosphorus, and 4.4 milligrams of iron.
In comparison, the same amount of rice contains 360 calories, 7 grams of protein, 6.7 grams of fat, 79 grams of carbohydrates, 1% fiber, 6 milligrams of calcium, 147 milligrams of phosphorus, and only 0.8 milligrams of iron.
