Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is collaborating with a private company to conduct research on sorghum as an alternative food.Sorghum contains carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, as well as iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B.
It can adapt to various soil conditions because it is known to be resistant to drought, according to head of the BRIN's Research Center for Appropriate Technology — Subang Science Area, Achmat Sarifudin.
"Sorghum contains fiber which is good for digestion, prevents constipation, and supports healthy gut microbiota. In addition, sorghum can be a quality substitute for rice because of its high protein and fiber content," he informed in a statement issued on Thursday.
Under the collaboration with PT Dahana, a private company, BRIN is aiming to assist in research on appropriate technology, starting from seeds, and planting methods, to post-planting processes.
PT Dahana will provide company land for the development of sorghum plants by the community. Sarifudin expressed the hope that the collaboration would help increase the absorption of labor and improve the economy of the local community, as well as provide nutritious alternative foods.
Baca juga: Peneliti sebut pemanfaatan tanaman obat dalam masyarakat Bali kuno
"This collaboration is expected to help the community by offering food that has good nutrition," he said.
Considering its high nutritional content, sorghum can also be used to reduce stunting rates.
Baca juga: Manfaat riset manuskrip bagi pengetahuan modern
Each 100 grams of sorghum has around 322 calories, 11 grams of protein, 3.3 grams of fat, 73 grams of carbohydrates, 2.3 percent fiber, 28 milligrams of calcium, 287 milligrams of phosphorus, and 4.4 milligrams of iron.
Meanwhile, the same amount of rice contains 360 calories, 7 grams of protein, 6.7 grams of fat, 79 grams of carbohydrates, 1 percent fiber, 6 milligrams of calcium, 147 milligrams of phosphorus, and 0.8 milligrams of iron.