Karakalpakstan – an Aral Sea basin region of Uzbekistan – faces severe soil salinity and water scarcity, pressuring farmers to diversify beyond water-intensive cotton and wheat. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of sugar sorghum as a climate-resilient alternative crop in the region. We conducted farm surveys and field interviews in 2024, and analyzed secondary data to compare yield and profitability of four sorghum varieties. Cost–benefit analysis per hectare shows that all tested varieties are profitable under local conditions, with the highest-yielding cultivar (“Oʻzbekiston 18”) yielding 105.0 t/ha of biomass and net income of ~29.88 million UZS/ha (≈2,353 USD). A cash-flow simulation for a typical 0.7 ha smallholding indicates that even at moderate yields (≈30 t/ha), sorghum can generate substantial seasonal profit. Comparative analysis with other semi-arid regions (India, Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia) highlights sorghum’s competitive advantage in drought tolerance and income stability under marginal conditions. The results underscore sugar sorghum’s potential to enhance rural livelihoods and land productivity in Karakalpakstan. We conclude that with supportive policies – including improved seed dissemination, farmer training, and market development – sugar sorghum could significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural diversification in arid environments.