April 2025 Cane...

By Etherly Barasa, Kenya Sugar Board (Nzoia C.T.U.)

INTRODUCTION

The analysis of cane quality for April 2025 was significantly impacted by challenges that adversely affected sampling efforts and data collection. Widespread heavy rainfall across  the country led to muddy cane deliveries, the temporary closure of several mills for annual maintenance, coupled with breakdowns in certain Cane Testing Units (CTUs), resulted in a markedly reduced number of samples collected during the month affecting the comprehensiveness and accuracy of quality data. Despite these setbacks, this report aims to highlight the prevailing issues, assess their impact on sampling and quality outcomes, and lay the foundation for targeted interventions in subsequent months.

ANALYSED PARAMETERS

Pol- the sucrose content in the cane juice

Brix- Total soluble solids in the cane juice

Moisture- the amount of water present in the cane at the time of analysis

Fibre- the non-sucrose organic material in the cane

It is important to note that these parameters may be influenced by various factors, including harvesting practices, transportation, and weather conditions, which can affect the results either positively or negatively.

A total of 342 samples were analysed across all regions for the reporting month. The regions are represented by the CTUs as follows:

- Western Region: (Butali CTU, Nzoia CTU, Mumias CTU, and West Kenya CTU)

- Nyanza Region: (Kibos CTU, Chemelil CTU, and Muhoroni CTU)

- South Nyanza Region: (Sony CTU, Transmara CTU, and Sukari CTU)

- Coast Region: (Kwale CTU)

The report includes average data from samples analysed across the country during the reporting month of April 2025 in the table below.

CHALLENGES

• Several Cane Testing Units experienced equipment breakdowns and in some the trucks lacked access to the cane ramps, limiting their ability to operate effectively.
• Temporary factory closures for annual maintenance and other technical mill breakdowns in multiple regions reduced the number of operational mills available for sampling.
• Delayed transportation: Logistical delays in transporting cane to the mills impacted timely sampling and processing.
• Analysed samples contained significant extraneous material such as  mud due to the heavy rains and a general drop in measured parameters suggested harvesting of young immature cane

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Adjust sample preparation techniques to minimize mud influence on purity and quality readings.
• Deploy mobile testing units: Consider deploying mobile CTUs to circumvent fixed-unit access issues during peak constraints

• Collaborate with logistics teams to prioritize timely cane delivery, especially during              peak harvesting periods.
• Preventive maintenance and spares: Develop a rapid response mechanism for equipment breakdowns and ensure adequate stocking of essential spare parts at CTU or regional depots.  Train CTU personnel in basic troubleshooting and minor repairs.

CONCLUSION

April 2025 presented considerable obstacles to effective cane quality monitoring due to a combination of environmental challenges and systemic operational gaps. While these factors led to reduced sample volumes and quality, they also provided critical insights into areas needing improvement. By addressing equipment reliability, logistical efficiency and mill coordination, the cane testing framework can become more resilient and capable of producing reliable data under varied conditions. These actions will be key to ensuring consistent quality monitoring and informed decision-making in future seasons.