May 2025 Cane A...

By Etherly Barasa

INTRODUCTION

This report presents the NIR based cane quality analysis for the month of May derived from Cane Testing Unit (CTU) data across all operational regions. The analysis focuses on key parameters including Pol%, Brix%, Fiber% and Purity%. During the reporting period, operations were significantly impacted by a persistent cane shortage across multiple regions. This shortage not only affected daily data throughput but also introduced variability in cane quality, with some regions delivering immature or underdeveloped cane., This report aims to highlight current trends, assess the impact of cane supply challenges, and guide targeted actions to improve cane quality and recovery rates in the face of ongoing supply constraints.

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 189 samples were analysed across all regions for the reporting month. The regions are represented by the CTUs as follows:

- Western Region (including both upper and lower western catchment areas): (Butali CTU, Nzoia CTU, Mumias CTU, and West Kenya CTU)

- Nyanza Region (consisting of central catchment area): (Kibos CTU, Chemelil CTU, and Muhoroni CTU)

- South Nyanza Region (consisting of southern catchment area): (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 May2025 in the table below.

CHALLENGES

• Several mills, particularly in the Nyanza region (e.g. Chemilil and Muhoroni), underwent annual maintenance, leading to a complete halt in cane deliveries and sampling activities. Transmara CTU also reported no data due to mill maintenance that occupied most of the reporting period.
• Due to the cumulative effect of mill closures, equipment malfunctions, and lack of cane deliveries, no cane samples were analysed in several regions. This resulted in a data gap for the month of May, making it difficult to draw any quality trends or comparative insights.
• Temporary factory closures for annual maintenance and other technical mill breakdowns in multiple regions reduced the number of operational mills available for sampling.
• Kibos CTU continued to experience logistical issues, with delivery trucks facing challenges in accessing the cane sampling ramp, limiting the volume of samples analysed.
• In South Nyanza, Sony CTU was unable to conduct any analysis due to a critical       equipment breakdown, resulting in no NIR data being reported from that station.
• Many cane samples received during the period contained high levels of extraneous matter such as mud, primarily due to wet field conditions from ongoing rains.
• There was a noticeable drop in key quality parameters in western region, indicating a trend of harvesting under-aged or immature cane, likely driven by cane shortages and pressure to meet factory demand.

• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Establish clear advance communication protocols between mills and CTUs regarding planned maintenance schedules to ensure continuity in sampling or proper data substitution and reporting mechanisms.

• Immediate attention is needed to resolve access issues at Kibos CTU by grading or redesigning ramp access areas, especially during the rainy season, to allow uninterrupted truck movement.
• Expedite repairs and initiate preventive maintenance plans for CTU equipment, especially at high volume sites like Sony CTU, to minimize downtime and ensure consistent data collection.
• 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.
• Collaborate with field teams to enforce harvesting maturity standards and introduce on-site quality checks to reduce the intake of immature cane

CONCLUSION

The cane quality analysis for the month of May 2025 significantly impacted by operational disruptions across several regions, most notably due to factory maintenance, equipment failures, and adverse weather conditions. These challenges led to reduced sampling coverage, lower data volumes, and a general decline in cane quality indicators. The continued harvesting of immature cane and high levels of extraneous matter further compromised sugar recovery potential.

Despite these setbacks, NIR based analysis remains a reliable and efficient method for monitoring cane quality. Going forward, a coordinated effort is required to address operational bottlenecks, improve infrastructure at CTUs, and reinforce best practices in harvesting and field handling. By implementing the recommended measures, the sector can enhance the accuracy of quality assessment, minimize losses, and support more sustainable cane supply to the mills.