Sugarcane farmers in Busia have been challenged to embrace modern technologies of fertiliser distribution during planting and top dressing to ensure fertiliser is applied economically, accurately, and uniformly to all crops to increase the tonnage per acre.
West Kenya Sugar Ltd. General Manager Olepito Genald Okoth noted that despite the advancement of technology in the sugar sector, Busia farmers have yet to embrace it and have stuck to using broadcasting methods while applying fertiliser.
“Although modern equipment has existed for years, farmers in Busia are yet to fully utilise it and realise its benefits. The use of Mayfield fertiliser distributors saves farmers on labour and minimises pilferage due to poor supervision,” noted Okoth.
The GM said there has been a significant improvement in production for farmers who are already using the machine, as the factory has witnessed some farmers grow from 15 tonnes per acre to 70 tonnes.
“It is important to use application methods that apply nutrients as close as possible to the roots in both the plant and the ratoon sugarcane crop,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by the Agriculture Officer in the company, Titus Ondigo, who said that after research by the factory, it was discovered that there was a lot of wastage by most farmers, a move that prompted them to incorporate experts to solve fertiliser management problems.
According to Mr. Ondigo, with the machine, 100kg of fertiliser is enough to apply on one acre of sugarcane plantation, as compared to the initial 150kg.
“The use of machines is cost-effective, particularly in developing countries where labour is more cost-effective than mechanical application. Unlike the use of hands, machines ensure uniform application of fertiliser that minimises human errors,” said Odingo.
Ondingo said that with modern agriculture being driven by continuous improvements in digital tools and data as well as collaborations among farmers and researchers across the public and private sectors, the company has prioritised sensitising farmers on timely and appropriate fertiliser application techniques.
“As a pilot programme, we are working with farmers whereby we supply fertiliser and experts to aid farmers on this. What we target is to maximise the output from the farm, as we help farmers realise profit,” said Okoth.
Patrick Masinde, a sugarcane farmer from Matayos Sub-County, bore witness to how the technology has aided him to realise over 60 tonnes in the last two harvests.
“Since the company advised me to use Mayfield machines, my production has been on a rising trend; it allows for maximising the use of labour and optimising the fertiliser potential, thus ensuring improved crop quality and yield,” noted Masinde.
Ondingo said that with time, agriculture will continue to witness more technological advancements, from the use of tractors for ploughing, irrigation, soil sampling, and now fertiliser application techniques, all leading to higher yields and improved quality of the food and fibre that is grown.
“There is a need for urgent intervention in the sugar sector that has seen factories facing acute cane shortages even as the country continues to grapple with rising sugar prices,” he added.
By Absalom Namwalo
