June 2025 Cane ...

By Etherly Barasa

INTRODUCTION

This report outlines the cane quality analysis status for the month of June, with a focus on the Near-Infrared (NIR) data collection and analysis processes conducted through Cane Testing Units (CTUs) across various regions. However, the month was characterized by widespread operational disruptions that severely limited and in some regions completely halted, sampling and analysis activities. In addition, several mills scheduled and executed annual factory maintenance, resulting in the complete suspension of crushing operations. These combined factors led to a sharp decline in cane deliveries and subsequently, the near absence of samples available for NIR analysis.

 The report aims to document these disruptions comprehensively, assess their implications on cane quality analysis efforts and propose actionable strategies to improve readiness and continuity in the face of similar operational challenges.

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 318 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 June2025 in the table below.

CHALLENGES

• The industry continued to face a critical cane shortage throughout the month of June, limiting deliveries to most mills. This shortage not only reduced factory throughput but also made it impossible to obtain representative samples for quality analysis in many locations.
• 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.
• Several CTUs experienced logistical and technical constraints. Sukari CTU remained non-functional due to unresolved equipment issues, while Kibos CTU faced continued access challenges, with delivery trucks unable to reach the ramp for sampling.
• 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 across regions, indicating a trend of harvesting under-aged or immature cane, likely driven by cane shortages and pressure to meet factory demand.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Improve coordination between millers and CTUs to share annual maintenance schedules in advance. This would help prepare alternative sampling strategies or designate surrogate data collection points if needed.

• 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.
• Work with millers, transporters, and farmer cooperatives to create contingency cane sourcing strategies to minimize the impact of localized shortages and maintain a consistent flow of cane to operational mills.
• 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 month of June was marked by operational setbacks that severely hindered NIR based cane quality monitoring efforts. Widespread mill shutdowns, severe cane shortages, and logistical challenges at CTUs led to a complete halt in sampling activities in most regions. As a result, no reliable quality data was collected during the period.

To mitigate the risk of similar disruptions in future months, it is essential to invest in CTU resilience, strengthen field coordination, and develop alternative plans for data continuity during low supply or maintenance periods. Restoring operational efficiency and consistency in quality monitoring is critical for sustaining factory recovery and guiding field level improvements in cane production.