Nyandarua farmers look to sugar beet farming for better returns

According to the farmers, the prospects of sugar beets production appear to be more profitable than other crops in the region and require little labour as compared to crops such as potatoes and maize.

Kamau Komu and Gitau Iregi, farmers from Tulasha area in Kipipiri, said they have set their eyes on the crops and are hopeful it will pay off.

Their sentiments were shared by a section of other farmers in Kinangop, Kipipiri and Ndaragwa constituencies who have been experimenting on the viability of sugar beet as an alternative venture.

Once operational, a processing firm being built is set to be the first of its kind outside Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Coast regions.

Sugarbeet plants have been found to have a high percentage of sucrose concentration compared to cane and if explored, sugar beet milling could bridge the national sugar deficit in Kenya.

Kenya produces 600,000 tonnes of sugar against an annual consumption of 800,000 tonnes where the deficit is bridged using imports.

Sugar top variety which is white is suitable for Nyandarua's climatic conditions and takes 90-95 days to mature. It has a sugar content of 18%.

In addition, it is used to produce bioethanol and feed for livestock and human consumption. Sugar beet is also a rich source of many essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.