How to grow sugarcane

Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass harvested for its juicy, sweet stems and has high potential for biomass production. It could be harvested up to 10 times before replanting and acts as a protection against soil erosion.

It is adaptable to most soil types but grows best in deep, welldrained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sugarcane enjoys high temperature of 26oC-33oC and rainfall of between 1500mm and 2500mm per annum.

Sugarcane can do well in Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Kaduna, Cross River, Taraba, Edo and Adamawa states, among others. However, adequate irrigation needs to be provided where there is insufficient rainfall.

Planting

Sugarcane is an asexual plant, hence not propagated by seeds but by vegetative cuttings like setts (sections of a stem/stalk) or settlings (cane setts with roots or shoots).

When using setts for propagation, long and thick stems preferably 40cm long should be used. This should then be split into foot-long pieces which are then planted horizontally in 4inch deep furrows or trenches.

Common pest and diseases

Sugarcane plant is susceptible to pest and disease attacks, hence the need for a farmer to be very vigilant when dealing with the crop.

However, effective prevention could be achieved by waterlogging, nitrogen build up and lodging among others.

Harvesting

It is usually harvested by setting the field on fire to burn dry leaves and to eliminate rodents and snakes hiding in the plantation.

The cane is then cut a little above ground level with a machete.

Source: agriculturenigeria.com