By Umar Nsubuga
In the rolling fields of Kabonge village, Wakiso district, Muhammad Kiyemba stands as a testament to the potential of commercial sugarcane farming in Uganda.
Over the years, Kiyemba has transformed his once-small venture into a thriving, profitable sugarcane farm, demonstrating the benefits of hard work, strategic planning, and agricultural knowledge.
His path to success was not without challenges, but each step taught him invaluable lessons about the demands and rewards of the sugarcane industry.
Now, as an experienced farmer, Kiyemba shares what he has learned from preparing the land and planting quality seedlings to harvesting and managing costs efficiently.
For those seeking to enter or advance in sugarcane farming, his insights serve as a practical guide to building a sustainable and lucrative agricultural business in Uganda.
According to Kiyemba, one of the first and most critical steps in sugarcane farming is selecting the right land and preparing it thoroughly.
Sugarcane requires fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
“To get high yields, you need to invest in quality land preparation,” he emphasises.
This includes clearing, tilling, and leveling the soil to ensure proper water distribution.
Kiyemba points out that sugarcane farming is capital-intensive, especially at the beginning. The initial investment includes costs for land preparation, purchasing quality seedlings, labour, and inputs like fertilisers.
He estimates spending around sh500,000 per acre on seedlings alone, with additional costs for fertilisation and weeding.
While the initial outlay can be daunting, Kiyemba believes it’s essential for setting up a strong foundation for the crop.
He advises potential farmers to be prepared for these costs and to look for quality seedlings from reputable sources to avoid low yields and disease.
Timing and technique
Timing plays a crucial role in sugarcane planting, as it directly affects growth and yield. Kiyemba advises planting at the beginning of the rainy season for optimal results, as young sugarcane plants require consistent moisture to establish roots and grow steadily.
“If you plant when rains are sporadic, you risk stunting the crop’s growth or even losing a portion of the yield,” he warns.
Proper planting techniques are equally important. Sugarcane cuttings, called “setts,” should be planted in furrows around 10-15 cm deep, with each sett containing two to three nodes. These nodes will sprout into new stalks, he explains.
Kiyemba spaces his setts 1.2 metres apart to give each plant sufficient room to grow and to facilitate weeding and other fieldwork.
He also emphasises the importance of applying fertilizer at the time of planting.
“Sugarcane is a nutrient-demanding crop,” Kiyemba says.
He applies a balanced fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to give the young plants a strong start. Additional applications of fertiliser at specific stages of growth further support development and boost yield potential.
Weed and pest control
Weeding is an essential task in sugarcane farming. Kiyemba dedicates considerable time and resources to keeping his fields weed-free.
“Weeds compete with sugarcane for nutrients, water, and light, which can significantly reduce yield,” he explains.
He typically weeds manually or hires laborers for the task, an expense that he factors into his budget.
Pest and disease control is another aspect of maintenance that requires attention. Common pests, such as cane borers, can devastate sugarcane crops if not controlled.
Kiyemba uses a combination of organic pest control and careful monitoring to keep infestations at bay.
He stresses the importance of early detection, as pest infestations can spread quickly and affect entire fields.
Harvesting and calculating returns
Sugarcane takes around 12-18 months to mature, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. When the crop is ready for harvest, timing is again crucial.
Harvesting too early results in lower sugar content, while harvesting too late can lead to reduced quality. Kiyemba monitors the maturity of his crop closely to determine the ideal time for cutting.
Once harvested, sugarcane must be processed or sold quickly, as it begins to lose sugar content after cutting.
Kiyemba has established relationships with local processors who purchase his harvest directly from the field, allowing him to streamline the sale process.
In terms of returns, he estimates earning between sh3-4 m per acre per season, depending on market prices and crop quality.
Challenges and rewards
Despite its potential profitability, sugarcane farming is not without its challenges. High input costs, fluctuating market prices, and labour-intensive maintenance are among the hurdles Kiyemba faces.
However, he finds the rewards worth the effort.
“Sugarcane is a reliable crop,” he says, “and once you get it right, it can provide a steady income.”
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Muhammad Kiyemba in his sugarcane plantation. Photo by Umar Nsubuga
