(b) Describe the commercial production of sugarcane in the Niger-Benue Trough under the following headings:
(i) method of cultivation
(ii) method of harvesting
(iii) economic importance
(i) Method of Cultivation
1. Land Preparation: The land is first cleared of any vegetation, and then it is plowed and harrowed to create a fine tilth suitable for planting. This preparation ensures that the soil is loose and aerated, which is ideal for root development.
2. Planting: Sugarcane is typically propagated through vegetative means using cane cuttings known as setts. These setts are pieces of mature cane with at least one bud. The setts are planted in furrows about 8-10 cm deep and spaced 1-1.5 meters apart, depending on the variety and local practices. The furrows are then covered with soil.
3. Irrigation: Adequate water supply is crucial for sugarcane growth. In the Niger-Benue Trough, irrigation methods such as furrow or drip irrigation are commonly used to ensure consistent moisture levels.
4. Fertilization: Fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, are applied to supply essential nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are particularly important for cane growth. Fertilizer application is usually done in stages to match the growth phases of the crop
5. Weed Control: Weeds are controlled through mechanical means like hoeing and using herbicides. Effective weed management is crucial to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
6. Pest and Disease Management: Regular monitoring and control measures are employed to manage pests and diseases. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including biological controls and selective use of pesticides, are used.
7. Intercropping: Sometimes, sugarcane is intercropped with other short-duration crops to maximize land use and improve soil health.
(ii) Method of Harvesting
1. Maturity Check: Sugarcane is usually ready for harvest 12-18 months after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvesting is timed to coincide with the peak sugar content in the cane.
2. Cutting: The canes are cut close to the ground using machetes or mechanical harvesters. Manual cutting is labor-intensive but allows for selective harvesting, while mechanical harvesters can cover large areas quickly.
3. Topping: The tops of the cane plants, which consist of leaves and immature cane, are removed. This helps reduce the volume of material that needs to be transported and processed.
4. Bundling and Transport: The cut canes are bundled and transported to the sugar mill for processing. In some areas, oxen carts, tractors, or trucks are used for transportation, depending on the infrastructure.
5. Post-Harvest Handling: Once at the mill, the sugarcane is processed promptly to minimize sugar loss. Delays in processing can lead to a decrease in the sugar content due to microbial activity.
(iii) Economic Importance
1. Employment: Sugarcane cultivation and processing create numerous jobs, from farm laborers to factory workers, contributing to local employment and income generation.
2. Revenue Generation: Sugarcane is a valuable cash crop. The sale of sugar and its by-products (like molasses and bagasse) generates substantial revenue for farmers and contributes to the national economy
3. Industrial Development: The sugarcane industry stimulates the development of related industries, including sugar mills, ethanol production plants, and paper manufacturing from bagasse, fostering industrial growth.
4. Foreign Exchange: Sugar and related products can be significant export commodities, earning foreign exchange for the country and improving the balance of trade.
5. Infrastructure Improvement: The establishment of large-scale sugarcane farms and processing plants often leads to infrastructure development, such as roads, electricity, and water supply systems, benefiting the broader community.
6. Energy Production: Bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing, can be used as a biofuel to generate electricity, contributing to the energy mix and promoting renewable energy sources.
7. Food Security: Sugar produced from sugarcane is a staple in the diet, and its availability supports food security. Additionally, the cultivation of sugarcane can sometimes be intercropped with food crops, enhancing overall food production.
