Kenya's Sugar Crisis: The Seed Revolution That Could Double Farmer Yields #SIISAndExpo

Kenya's sugar industry faces a critical challenge: farmers require over 867,000 metric tons of seed cane annually, yet only about 20% of this demand is currently met through formal production systems. The result is low productivity, poor-quality planting materials and reduced sugar yields across the country. In this insightful presentation, Edwin Shikanda of the Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute explores a transformative solution: decentralized access to clean, certified sugarcane seed. Discover how quality seed cane influences production costs, why uncertified planting materials continue to limit productivity and how improved varieties can help farmers increase yields from the current average of 61 tonnes per hectare to more than 100 tonnes per hectare. The presentation also highlights the three-tier seed production model, emerging technologies such as tissue culture and single-bud propagation and the collaborative role of farmers, millers, county governments, regulators and research institutions in strengthening the sector. Featuring practical examples and success stories from across Kenya, this discussion provides a roadmap for improving farmer incomes, enhancing sugar production and building a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through innovation and collaboration. Are you a thought leader, innovator, researcher, policymaker or industry expert with valuable insights to share? Join us as a speaker at the Sugar Industry Innovations Symposium & Expo and help shape the future of the sugar sector through knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration. For speaker opportunities, participation, partnership or general inquiries: Website: sugarinnovation.go.ke Call/WhatsApp: +254 703 802 247 Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) #SIISAndExpo