Nairobi: A Chinese investor in Kenya is on a mission to improve sugarcane production and offer Kenyan farmers better incomes for their produce. The investor, Jack Liu, who is working with a team of researchers through a Kenyan-based firm, Crevation International Limited, is developing two new tissue culture sugarcane seed varieties. These varieties focus on early maturation, drought and disease resistance, as well as high sugar content to boost farmer income and mitigate climate change effects on agriculture.
According to Kenya News Agency, Liu and his team of 15 experts have received approval from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (Kephis) to conduct trials in Rongai Sub-County. The trials involve the 'Golden Fruit 2 variety' for industrial sugar manufacture and 'Golden Fruit 1 variety' for chewing or sugarcane juice production. In May 2022, Liu leased 50 acres of land in Kambi Ya Moto Area in Rongai Constituency of Nakuru County, where these trials are being conducted. The farm has become a demonstration and learning site, attracting companies, organizations, and institutions keen to learn about the new sugarcane varieties set to be released to the market in June 2026, pending approval by Kephis.
Liu indicates that the improved seed varieties, originating from Chinese technology, mature in 7-10 months, compared to the local market varieties that take 18-24 months. This development promises to make farming more profitable and sustainable by reducing crop loss and increasing yields. The agripreneur also emphasizes that the new varieties offer increased sucrose content and overall yield, enhancing profitability for farmers in key sugar-growing regions.
Once approved, Kephis will distribute the two varieties to farmers in Western Kenya, parts of the Rift Valley, and coastal regions. Trials have shown that 'Golden Fruit 2 Variety' has 80 percent juice content, while 'Golden Fruit Variety 1' can yield 15 tons of refined sugar from 100 tons of sugarcane due to its 50 percent higher sucrose content compared to traditional varieties. Liu assures farmers that these new sugarcane breeds are designed to withstand climate change shocks, offering better drought tolerance and pest/disease resistance.
Mr. Liu and his team are committed to transforming Kenya's sugarcane sector with research-backed varieties that are more resilient, productive, and economically viable for farmers. He highlights the importance of quality sugarcane seed in producing healthier, more robust plants that directly lead to more cane and better income. Currently, the average sugarcane yield in Kenya is around 60.52 tonnes per hectare, far below its potential of 90-150 tonnes per hectare. Liu notes that lack of certified seed often leads farmers to use poor-quality material, resulting in poor establishment and low yields.
Liu explains the significance of a robust seed cane system to reverse the current trend of disease accumulation in sugarcane farming. He outlines a three-tier seed system comprising breeder seed, foundation seed, and certified seed, which ensures high-quality and disease-free planting material. This structure aims to prevent the spread of diseases like red rot, smut, wilt, and others that have plagued the industry.
With proper land preparation, choice of the right varieties, and good market planning, sugarcane cultivation in Kenya can provide steady income and attractive returns, according to Crevation International Limited Marketing Manager, Penina Karimi. She emphasizes the importance of quality seed cane for enhancing yields, disease resistance, and farmer profitability. Karimi advocates for advancing research, innovation, and technology transfer within Kenya's sugar industry to develop drought-tolerant, pest-resistant cane varieties that mature faster and require less water.
In 2024, the firm also introduced Kenya Juncao grass, known locally as 'Chinese magic grass.' According to Liu, this grass can increase milk production by 50 percent due to its high protein content and reduce dairy costs at processing and packaging as silage. It has 18.6 percent crude protein content, making it second only to Lucerne among local fodder options.