The Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County is adding sugarcane to its crops, with officials saying early results point to strong yields. The move widens what the scheme grows, which has traditionally been rice, rather than replacing it.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the area’s agro-climatic conditions favour sugar production. The cane planted there has a high sucrose content, matures early and is easy to manage, he said during a visit to the project.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho said the crop is growing within 10 months and giving 50 tonnes per hectare. “We are now doing sugar, whereas Bura used to do rice,” he said. “From the 100,000 acres, we expect to produce over five million metric tonnes when processed.”
READ:
The expansion comes as the government works to widen irrigation and cut Kenya’s reliance on imported food. Bura has an estimated potential of 165,000 acres, which makes it one of the larger schemes being considered for growth.
If the projected yields hold, the scheme could add significant volumes of cane to the country’s sugar supply. It would also give farmers and processors in the region a steadier source of income, away from the rain-fed farming that has often left growers exposed to drought.
By Benedict Aoya
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
