Drought stress characterization of post-rainy season (rabi) sorghum in India

► Post-rainy season sorghum crop was modelled across main production tract in India. ► Cropping environments were characterized according to water availability (water supply/demand ratio) and frequencies of environmental types were analyzed. ► Majority of environments had character of terminal drought (47%) out of which grain production failed in 29% (pre-flowering drought onset). ► Presented knowledge provides the baseline to better focus crop improvement strategies via genetic manipulation and management practices.