business plan for sugarcane farming

Sugarcane Farming Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Agriculture Sector

Do you want to start a sugarcane farm and need to write a business plan ? If YES, here is a sample sugarcane farming business plan template & feasibility report.

Sugarcane farming is known to be a profitable business and over the years, it has evolved from uncoordinated to a global industry in most countries where it’s carried out. But it comes with its own fair share of challenges. An aspiring entrepreneur can either choose to start a sugarcane farm on a small or large scale depending on their financial status.

A Sample Sugarcane Farming Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Farmers in the Sugarcane Harvesting industry primarily grow sugarcane, a tall tropical grass originating in Southeast Asia. Scientifically known as Saccharum officinarum, its thick stems are a major commercial source of sugar.

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Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 635 licensed and registered sugarcane farms responsible for employing about 4,026 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $1 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at -1.0 percent between 2014 and 2019.

United States Sugar Corporation is the company that has the lion share of the available market in the sugarcane harvesting industry in the United States of America. A recent report published by IBISWorld estimates that industry revenue increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent over the five years to 2010 to $1.0 billion.

However, revenue has been subject to dramatic spikes and drops in recent years due to unpredictable weather conditions. In 2005, for example, an unusually active hurricane season battered the Southeast United States, damaging Florida and Louisiana sugarcane crops. Revenue declined significantly that year as a result.

Conversely, in 2010, heavy rainfall in Brazil (the world’s largest sugar producer) and a drought in india (the second-largest producer) depleted the global sugar supply and propelled demand for US sugar producers and, in turn, US sugarcane farmers. Consequently, industry revenue rose at a double-digit pace in 2010.

Fortuitous weather conditions aside, the industry has long suffered from competition from sugar substitutes. The amount of sugar and other caloric sweeteners consumed by the average American has declined from 2005 to 2010. Focus on personal health has taken center stage, limiting consumers’ demand for sweeteners and encouraging them to opt instead for no-calorie substitutes.

Furthermore, though the level sugarcane imports is negligible, downstream industries including sugar processors have been experiencing an influx of lower-cost sugar imports. Processors and downstream markets are increasingly using these imports in place of domestically produced sugar to cut input costs, which are inflated due to protectionist US government policies.

With the recent advancement in technology, farmers can now comfortably grow crops such as sugarcane in a country where such crops can hardly survive and in places where there are few farming lands.

One thing is certain when it comes to commercial sugarcane farming, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies before choosing a location for cultivating your sugarcane, you are more likely not going to struggle to grow the sugarcane farming business because there are always food processing companies and consumers out there who are ready to buy from you.

Lastly, with commercial sugarcane farming it will pay you not to only cultivate sugarcane, but to also start a complimentary business such as sugarcane processing plant; producing and packaging sugar. The bottom line is that if you have enough farmland (space) and you are interested in maximizing commercial sugarcane farming, you are sure going to make huge profits from the business.

2. Executive Summary

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is a registered sugarcane plantation that will be based in the outskirt of Lake Mary, Florida – United States. We have done our detailed market research and feasibility studies and we were able to secure a well – situated and suitable farm land to start our commercial sugarcane business.

Our commercial sugarcane farm is a going to be standard one hence we will be involved in both commercial sugarcane cultivation, processing and packaging. We will be involved in both organic and non – organic commercial sugarcane farming.

We have put plans in place that will help us launch a standard sugarcane processing plant within the first three years of officially running Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. We will process and package sugar and ensure that they flood the market both in the United States and in other countries of the world.

Aside from the fact that we’ve secured the required farming land and most of the farming equipment and machines, we have also hired some key employees who are currently undergoing training so as to be able to fit into the ideal picture of the 21 st century commercial sugarcane farm workforce that we want to build.

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is well positioned to become one of the leading sugarcane farms in the United States of America, which is why we have been able to source for the best hands and machineries to run the farm with. We have put process and strategies in place that will help us employ best practices when it comes to sugarcane farming, processing and packaging as required by the regulating bodies in the United States of America.

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is owned by Mr. Edward Jones and his immediate family members. The farm cum business will be financed by Edward Jones and his family.

Before starting Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc., Edward Jones has worked with some of the leading commercial farms and food processing plants in the United States of America; he has a degree (B.Sc.) in Agriculture Science from University of Florida.

3. Our Products and Services

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is a world class commercial farm that is committed to cultivating both organic and non – organic sugarcane for both the United States and the global market.

We are in this line of business to make profits, and we will ensure that we do all that is allowed by the law of the United States of America to achieve our business goals and objectives. These are the areas we will concentrate on in our sugarcane farm. If need arises, we will definitely cultivate related crops;

• Sugarcane farming
• Operating standard sugar processing plant where we will produce products such as raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar from sugarcane.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to become one of the leading commercial sugarcane farm, processing and packing brand in the United States of America.
• Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is a world class sugarcane farm that is in business to cultivate sugarcane in commercial quantities both organic and non – organic and processed sugar for both the United States market and the international market.

Our Business Structure

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. intends starting small in Lake Mary – Florida, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading commercial sugarcane farms in the United States. We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the kind of world class business we want to own.

At Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc., we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, dedicated, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the management of the farm. In view of the above, Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Operating Officer

General Farm Manager

Administrator/Accountant

Sugarcane Cultivation Manager/Supervisor

• Sugar Processing and Packaging Plant Manager
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Field Employees

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all farm activities across the various sections on behalf of the organization
• Supervise other section managers (sugarcane cultivation manager and sugar processing and packaging manager)
• Providing advice on the management of farming activities across all sections
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Using IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of the growth of crops (sugarcane)
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and sale of farm produce after harvest
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders’ meetings
• Ensures that farming goals desired result are achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily farming activities across the various farming sections and processing unit.
• Carrying out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the farm
• Serves as internal auditor for the farm
• Responsible for managing the sugarcane cultivation section
• Supervises other workers within the department
• Work closely with the General Manager to achieve the organizations’ goals and objectives

Sugarcane Processing and Packaging Manager/Supervisor

• Responsible for managing the sugar processing and packaging section of the commercial farm
• Ensures that quality raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar et al are produced from the processing plant
• Serve as a quality control / assurance manager

Sales and Marketing Officer

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for the organization
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the farm

Field Workers/Contract Staff

• Responsible for preparing farm lands for sugarcane cultivation
• Responsible for watering the crop
• Weeding or fertilizer and / or pest control application
• Assist in handling the harvest of sugarcane
• Carries out task in line with the stated job description
• Assist in transport working tools and equipment from the farm and back to the designated store room

Distribution Truck Drivers

• Assist in loading and unloading harvested sugarcane and sugar products
• Maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keep a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
• Assist the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a delivery schedule.
• Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Comply with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
• Collect and verify delivery instructions
• Report defects, accidents or violations

6. SWOT Analysis

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis. We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard sugarcane farm that will favorably compete with leading farms in the United States of America.

We are quite aware that there are several sugarcane farms all over Lake Mary – Florida and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be equipped to confront our threats.

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in the commercial farming industry to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives.

Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc.;

Our strength as a sugarcane farm is the fact that we have healthy relationships with loads of major players in the industry; both suppliers and buyers within and outside of the United States.

We have some of the latest commercial farming machines, tools and sugarcane processing equipment that will help us cultivate sugarcane in commercial quantities with less stress. Aside from our relationship (network) and equipment, we can confidently boast that we have some the most experienced hands in Lake Mary – Florida in our payroll.

Our weakness could be that we are a new sugarcane farm in the United States, and perhaps the fact that we decided to diversify our farming activities could count against us initially. We are aware of this and from our projection will overcome this weakness with time and turn it to a major advantage for the business.

• Opportunities:

Prices for sugarcane in the United States are partly regulated by government policy, which strives to match supply and demand. As a result, US prices are on average much higher than world prices, somewhat insulating farmers from volatility. The price of sugar is expected to increase in the coming year, presenting an opportunity for the industry.

Growth in per capita consumption of sugar increases demand for sugarcane. Over the past five years, as consumers have become more health-conscious, demand for caloric sweeteners (including sugar) has decreased. Per capita sugar and sweetener consumption is expected to increase slowly going forward. However, generally sluggish growth in sweetener consumption is likely to pose a threat to the industry.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

One of the common trends in the Sugarcane Harvesting industry is that most players in the industry are no longer concentrating only on non – organic sugarcane farming. They now find it easier to run both organic and non – organic sugarcane cultivation. It is a fact that despite that organic foods are expensive, the sale is on the increase and it is indeed profitable.

Despite the fact that sugarcane farming has been in existence since time immemorial, it does not in any way make the industry to be over saturated; sugarcane farmers are exploring new technology to continue to improve the cultivation processes and also mechanized farming has indeed increased the tons of food produced by farmers.

The fact that there is always a ready market for sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar et al makes the business highly thriving and profitable.

Lastly, it is a common trend to find standard sugarcane farmers run a sugarcane processing plant business alongside their farm. It is a means of maximizing profits in the business. Beside sugarcane can be consumed by both human and the waste products consumed by livestock hence it is an ideal business.

8. Our Target Market

The end consumer of sugarcane in any form and also those who benefits from the business value chain is all encompassing.

Almost every household consumes sugarcane in different forms. In essence a sugarcane farmer should be able to sell his or her farm produce to as many people as possible including production companies that make use of sugarcane as raw materials.

We will ensure that we position our business to attract consumers not just in the United States of America alone but also other parts of the world which is why we will be exporting some of our sugarcane, and raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar to other countries of the world. We are in business to engage in wholesale distribution and to retail our sugar to the following groups of people;

• Bakeries and confectioneries manufacturer
• Soda drinks manufacturers
• Snacks manufacturers
• Manufacturing companies that make use of raw sugar
• Everybody in our target market location

Our Competitive Advantage

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is fully aware that there are competitions when it comes to selling sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar, which is why we decided to carry out thorough research so as to know how to take advantage of the available market in the United States and in other parts of the world.

We have done our homework and we have been able to highlight some factors that will give us competitive advantage in the marketplace. Another competitive advantage that we are bringing to the industry is the fact that we have designed our business in such a way that we will operate an all – round sugarcane farms that will also include a sugarcane processing plant.

With this, we will be able to produce sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar and take advantage of all the available opportunities within the industry.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is in the commercial farming business for the purpose of maximizing profits hence we have decided to explore all the available opportunities within the industry to achieve our corporate goals and objectives.

In essence we are not going to rely only on the sale of our farm produce to generate income for the business. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc.;

• Operating standard sugar processing plant where we will produce products such as raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar.

10. Sales Forecast

We conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies and we were able to discover that the sales generated by a commercial farm depends on the size and the nature of the farm.

We have perfected or sales and marketing strategies and we are quite optimistic that we will meet or even surpass our set sales target of generating enough income/profits from the first year of operation and build the business from survival to sustainability.

We have been able to examine the agriculture industry cum sugarcane farm line business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some workable assumptions as well with respect to the nature of sugarcane farm that we run.

Below are the projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of running Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc.;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $380,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $600,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $1.150 million

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown that can impact negatively on household spending, bad weather cum natural disasters, and unfavorable government policies . Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are quite aware that the reason why some sugarcane farms hardly make good profits is their inability to sell off their harvested sugarcane as at when due. In view of that, we decided to set up a standard sugarcane processing plant to help us maximize profits.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. In summary, Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. will adopt the following strategies in marketing our sugarcane farm produce;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the food production industry et al.
• Advertise our business in agriculture and food related magazines and websites
• List our sugarcane farms on yellow pages ads
• Attend related agriculture and food expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage in direct marketing
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means.

Below are the platforms you can leverage on to boost our sugarcane farm brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events/programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our business
• Install our Billboards in strategic locations all around Lake Mary – Florida
• Engage in roadshow from time to time in targeted neighborhoods to retail our sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar et al
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• List our sugarcane farms in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our sugarcane farms in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Some of the factors that will help you sell your sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar at the right price that will guarantee that you make profits is dependent on your strategy while some of the factors are beyond your control.

For example, if the climatic condition is unfavorable and if there are natural disasters in the location where you have your sugarcane farm, then it will directly affect the harvest and also the prices of your farm produce.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry but will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months our sugarcane and raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar are sold a little bit below the average prices in the United States of America. We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profits for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our sugarcane farming business.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a sugarcane farm with sugarcane processing plant, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide such as the capacity of the sugarcane processing plant you want to own and the size of the sugarcane farm.

In view of that, here are some of the basic areas we will spend our startup capital in setting up our sugarcane farm;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in United States of America – $750.
• The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
• The amount needed to acquire / lease a farm land – $50,000
• The amount required for preparing the farm land – $70,000
• The cost for acquiring the required working tools and equipment / machines / fencing et al – $10,000
• The amount required for purchase of the first set of sugarcane seedlings et al – $50,000
• The amount required to set up a standard sugarcane processing plant within the farm facility – 100,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost of launching an official website – $600
• The amount required for payment of workers for a period of 3 months – $60,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($450,000) to start a standard sugarcane farm with a sugarcane processing plant in the United States of America.

These are some of the equipment that we would need to launch our sugarcane farm,

• Soil cultivator
• Harrow (e.g. Spike harrow, Drag harrow, Disk harrow)
• Stone / Rock / Debris removal
• Plastic mulch layer
• Transplanter
• Sprinkler system irrigation
• Wheel Barrow

Basically, the nature of sugarcane farms does not require an office space, most people that run commercial farms operate directly from their farms. But we have decided to open a small liaison office; a place where administrative jobs will be carried out on behalf of the business.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc.

Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. will be owned and managed by Edward Jones and his immediate family members. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $350,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Part of the plans we have in place to sustain Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. is to ensure that we continue to make available sugarcane, raw sugar, liquid sugar and refined sugar et al, deliver quality services, improvise on how to do things faster and cheaper.

We are not going to relent in providing conducive environment for our workers and also the required trainings that will help them deliver excellent services at all times.

We are quite aware that our customers are key component to the growth and survival of our business hence we are going to continuously engage them to give us ideas on how to serve them better and the products they want to see in our store.

We will not waste time in adopting new technology, best practices and diversifying our services; expand our product and service offerings once the need arises. Edward Jones® Sugarcane Farms, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of.

Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts : Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of farm land in Lake Mary – Florida and preparing the farm land: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Startup Capital Generation: Completed
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Building /construction of sugarcane processing plant: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed working tools, machines and equipment: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Farm land Treatment, Health and Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industry (sugarcane merchants, manufacturing companies that make use of raw sugar as part of their raw materials, fertilizer suppliers and transporter/haulage companies et al): Completed

Sugarcane Farming: Business Plan And Guide For Beginners

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Sugarcane farming is a very common and popular business throughout the world. It is a widely grown crop in India, Bangladesh and some other south Asian countries.

Sugarcane actually refer to several species and hybrids of tall perennial grass in the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, that are used for sugar production.

Depending on the variety, most of the sugarcane plants are 6 to 20 feet tall with stout, jointed and fibrous stalks. And this stalks are rich in sucrose, which accumulates in the stalk internodes.

A mature stalk is generally composed of 11-16% fiber, 12-16% soluble sugars, 2-3% non-sugars and 63-73% water.

You probably know, sugarcane belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. It is a very economically important flowering plant family that includes rice , sorghum, wheat and maize , and also many other forage crops. It is native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of India, Southeast Asia and New Guinea.

Most of the sugar produced globally comes from a species of sugarcane called Saccharum officinarum and hybrids of this species. All sugarcane species can interbreed, and the major commercial cultivars are complex hybrids.

The sugarcane crop is sensitive to climate, fertilizers, irrigation, soil type, insects, diseases control, varieties and harvest period. Depending on the variety, the average yield of cane stalk is 60-70 tonnes per hectare.

Although, exact yield depends on various factors. And yield can vary between 30 and 180 tonnes per hectare depending on knowledge and crop management approach used in sugarcane farming.

About 70% of world’s total sugar production comes from sugarcane, and rest is made from sugar beets. Sugar beets generally grow in the colder temperate regions, while sugarcane predominantly grows in tropical and subtropical regions.

Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by production quantity. Around 1.8 billion tonnes of sugarcane produced in 2017, with Brazil accounting for 40% of the world total.

In 2012, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated it was cultivated on about 26 million hectares (64 million acres), in more than 90 countries.[ 1 ]

Table of Contents

Uses of Sugarcane

Sugarcane has many different uses. It is mainly cultivated as a cash crop, but is also used as livestock fodder. Here we are shortly describing about the uses of sugarcane.

1. Sugarcane as Food

Sugarcane is mainly used as food in the countries where it is cultivated. There are several foods and popular dishes derived directly from sugarcane. Raw sugarcane, sayur nganten, juice, syrup, molasses, jaggery, falemum, cachaca, rum, basi, panela, rapadura, rock candy etc. are some popular food processed from sugarcane.

2. Sugarcane as Feed

Many parts of the sugarcane plants are generally used as animal feeds where the plants are cultivated. The sugarcane leaves make a good forage for ruminants.

3. Bagasse Applications

Sugarcane is one of the plants with the highest bioconversion efficiency. The crop is able to efficiently fix solar energy (yielding some 55 tonnes of dry matter per hectare of land annually).

After harvest, the sugarcane crop produces sugar juice and bagasse, the fibrous dry matter. This dry matter is biomass with potential as fuel for energy production. The bagasse can also be used as an alternative source of pulp for paper production.

Sugarcane bagasse is a potentially abundant source of energy for large producers of sugarcane, such as India, Brazil and China.

According to one report, with the use of latest technologies, bagasse produced annually in Brazil has the potential of meeting 20% of the country’s energy consumption by 2020.

4. Electricity Production

The countries lacking fossil fuels have implemented energy conservation and efficiency measures to minimize the energy used in sugarcane processing and export any excess electricity to the grid.

Bagasse is usually burned to produce steam, which in turn creates electricity. Current technologies, such as those in use in Mauritius, produce over 100 kWh of electricity per tonne of bagasse.

With a total world harvest of over one billion tonnes of sugarcane per year, the global energy potential from bagasse is over 100,000 GWh.

5. Biogas Production

A greener alternative to burning bagasse for the production of electricity is to convert bagasse into biogas. Technologies are being developed to use enzymes to transform bagasse into advanced biofuel and biogas.

Sugarcane Nutritional Benefits

The most common and popular ways of enjoying sugarcane is it’s juice. The sugarcane juice is made by pressing the liquid out of sugarcane. The juice is a sweet, sugary beverage commonly consumed in parts of India, Africa and Asia.

The juice is a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients. The juice is high in sugar and it has a high glycemic load despite having a low glycemic index. That’s why it impacts blood sugar significantly.

One cup (240 ml) of serving offers 183 calories, 0 gram fat, 0 gram protein, 0-13 grams fiber and 50 grams sugar. It is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes, so it’s great for dehydration.

Sugarcane juice is not good for the people with diabetes. However, here we are trying to describe more about the health benefits of consuming sugarcane.

• Sugarcane juice is a diuretic, which means that it helps treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones and ensure proper functioning of the kidneys.
• According to Ayurveda, sugarcane juice helps to strengthen liver. And that’s why it is suggested as a remedy for jaundice.
• Sugarcane juice is rich in good kind of carbohydrates, protein, iron, potassium and other essential nutrients that make it the ideal drinks.
• A glass of cold sugarcane juice will give you much energy, especially in the summer months.
• According to Ayurveda, sugarcane juice exhibits laxative properties, and it helps to improve bowel movement and relieving constipation.
• Sugarcane juice also has alkaline properties. That means it is good for treating acidity and stomach burns.
• The juice is extremely rich in minerals which helps to prevent tooth decay and bad breath.

Advantages of Sugarcane Farming

Commercial sugarcane farming business is very easy and simple. And this business has many advantages or benefits. The sugarcane plants generally require less care, so it’s very easy to start and maintain this business.

If you have land and want to start sugarcane farming business commercially, then you can start it without having prior knowledge. It is a great way for making profits, even the beginners can also start this business.

However, commercial sugarcane farming business has many advantages. Here we are shortly describing about the top advantages or benefits of sugarcane farming business.

• Sugarcane farming is a very old business idea.
• Sugarcane plants grow well in many areas around the world. And many people around the world are already doing this business.
• Caring and other maintenance of the sugarcane plants are very easy and simple.
• The beginners can also start this business for making profits.
• The sugarcane plants generally grow well in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Commercial sugarcane farming can be a good business idea for the educated unemployed people.
• Demand and price of sugarcane both are very high in both domestic and international market. So, you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products.
• Returns or profits in this business is very high, as compared to the total production costs.
• Marketing sugarcane is very easy, and you will probably be able to sell your products in the local market.
• Sugarcane is used for making many different products.
• Consuming sugarcane juice has some health benefits. And you can enjoy fresh sugarcane juice or other products if you grow of your own.

How to Start Sugarcane Farming?

As we have mentioned above, starting both small scale and commercial sugarcane farming is very easy and simple. The sugarcane plants generally require less caring and other management. So, you will be able to start this business easily, even if you are a beginner.

The sugarcane plants generally grow well in tropical and subtropical regions. And the plants can grow in a wide variety of soil types.

If you are willing to start sugarcane cultivation business, then follow the steps mentioned below carefully. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating sugarcane farming business from planting, caring to harvesting and marketing.

Step 1. Learn Practically

Like many other crop farming business, having practical knowledge is very important for successful sugarcane farming business. So, try to learn more about this business practically before starting commercial production. If possible, try to complete a training.

Step 2. Select A Good Location

Select a very good location with the availability of full sun and good drainage system for starting your sugarcane farming business.

Step 3. Best Soil For Sugarcane Cultivation

Sugarcane plants can be grown on many soil types ranging from highly fertile, well-drained Mollisols, through heavy cracking Vertisols, infertile acid Oxisols and Ultisols, peaty Histosols, to rocky Andisols.

Plentiful sunshine and adequate water supply increase sugarcane production. This has made the dry countries with good irrigation facilities such as Egypt is one of the highest yielding sugarcane cultivating regions.

You should do a soil test before preparing the soil for sugarcane farming. Generally, a well-drained, deep and loamy soil with a bulk density of 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm3 (1.3-1.4 g/cm3 in sandy soils) and total porosity, with an adequate balance between pores of various sizes, is higher than 50%; groundwater table below 1.5 to 2.0 m from soil surface and an available water holding capacity of 15% or more is considered ideal for sugarcane cultivation.

For maximum production, the optimum soil pH is about 6.5. But the sugarcane plants can tolerate a considerable degree of soil acidity and alkalinity. So the plants can grow in soil with pH range between 5 and 8.5.

Step 4. Prepare the Soil

You have to prepare the soil perfectly before planting the sugarcane plants. Plough the soil perfectly and the soil to a fine tilth. Bringing the soil to fine tilth is essential for proper germination of the sets and field emergence and root growth.

Add as much organic fertilizers as you can while preparing the soil. At the time of planting, add 45 kg Nitrogen, 85 kg Phosphorus, 85 kg Potassium and around 50 tonnes of well rotted manure per hectare.

Step 5. Climate Requirement For Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane is considered as a tropical plant. It grows well in the tropical and subtropical areas. It is a long duration crop and thus it encounters all the seasons such as rainy, winter and summer during it’s life cycle.

The plants generally grow best in tropical hot sunny areas. A long, warm growing season with a high incidence of solar radiation and adequate rainfall is required for growing sugarcane. The plants uses from 148 to 300 grams of water for producing 1 gram of dry substance.

For ripening and harvesting sugarcane, a fairly dry, sunny and cool, but frost-free season is required.

Step 6. Choose A Good Variety

Sugarcane is of various types. And you will find a lot of different sugarcane plants when you start investigating about the types. However, the sugarcane is basically of 3 types.

• Chewing Sugarcane: This type of sugarcane varieties have a soft, fibrous center which is good for chewing. The fibers tend to stick together as you chew so that spitting it out once the sugar is depleted easier.
• Syrup Sugarcane: This type of sugarcane varieties have a variety of sugar types that don’t crystallize easily, but are good for making sugar syrup. Most of the commercial sugarcane farmers used to cultivate this types of sugarcane.
• Crystal Sugarcane: The varieties of crystal sugarcane types are produced commercially and used to make crystallized table sugar.

There are many numerous sugarcane varieties available throughout the world. But not all these varieties are good for growing in all places around the world. Some of these varieties grow well in specific area.

And not all the varieties are good for commercial production purpose. For example, some top varieties which grow well in India are CoJ 85, Co 118, CoJ 64, CoH 119, Co 238, CoJ 88, CoS 8436, CoJ 89, Co 1148, CoH 110, Co 7717, CoH 128, CoPb 93, CoPb 94, Cos 91230, Co Pant 90223, CoH 92201, Cos 95255, CoS 94270, CoH 119, Co 9814 etc.

Step 7. Purchase Buds

Sugarcane is not grown from seeds. Rather the plants are grown from buds. There are some farmers who stock and sell these buds. You can contact with the existing farmers in your area for having more information about purchasing buds.

Step 8. Buds Per Acre

Exact amount of buds required for planting one acre land vary depending on numerous factors. Buds rate can vary from region to region. Generally buds rate of 20,000 three budded setts per acre.

Step 9. Planting

Planting can be done at any time. But most of the commercial farmers start planting sugarcane buds from September to October and February to March or in rainy season. The sugarcane plants generally take one year to mature.

Row spacing for commercial sugarcane farming ranges from 60 to 120 cm for sub-tropical regions.

Sowing Depth

Sow the sugarcane buds at a depth of 3-4 cm and then cover it with soil.

Planting Methods

Sugarcane is generally planted in 4 different planting methods. Here we are shortly describing about all these methods.

1) Ridge and Furrow Method

• This method is used in many different parts around the world.
• In this method, the ridges and furrows are opened with the help of ridger by keeping 120 cm distance between furrows in heavy soil and 105 cm distance in light to medium soil.
• First sets are laid on the end of the top ridge to end and later planted in furrows by to ways known as wet method and dry method of planting.
• The main and sub-irrigation channels are opened at an appropriate distance.
• Dry Method: Dry method is followed in heavy soil to avoid the pressing as setts deep into the soil. The sets are placed in the furrow end to end by facing eye buds on sided and covered by giving a layer of soil. And after successful completion of planting, water the field immediately.
• Wet Method: Wet method is followed in medium to light soil. First water the field before planting. Then plant the sets by pressing 2.5 to 5 cm deep in furrows with feet or hand. The sets are placed end to end by facing buds on sides.

2) Flat Bed Method

• For preparing the flat beds, plow, harrow and level the land.
• Depending upon the soil types, 60 to 90 cm distance is kept between two rows.
• The sets are pressed into the soil with hand or feet to a depth of 2.5 to 5 cm and covered with soil.
• This method of planting is used in the areas with lots of rainfall.

3) Rayungan Method

• This method of planting sugarcane is followed in the heavy rainfall areas.
• In such areas, the sugarcane field get flooded during the rainy season which affects germination. And in such cases, the sets cannot be planted directly in the main field.
• So, single bud sets are planted vertically in nurseries which are prepared high lying area of the farm in the month of June-July.
• The sprouted sets are transplanted in the main field after six weeks when the danger of flooding is over.

4) Trench Method

• In this method, trenches are made about 90 to 120 cm apart and 22 to 30 cm deep.
• The soil at bottom is loosened and mixed with manures. And then the sets are planted in the middle of the trenches and covered with soil. Irrigation is given immediately after completion of planting.
• This planting method produces large clumps of sugarcane which do not lodge when tied together. The damage from wild animals is less in this method.

Step 10. Caring

The sugarcane pants don’t require much caring. But it’s recommended to take additional care of the plants for getting better growth and good production.

The caring process of the sugarcane plants is very easy. Here we are trying to describe more about the caring process for commercial sugarcane farming business.

Fertilizing

Do a soil test and apply fertilizers as recommended by an expert. Add as much organic fertilizers as you can while preparing the soil.

In winter due to low temperature uptake of nutrient by crop become less and plant give yellow appearance. To recovered crop take spray of 19:19:19@100gm/15Ltr of water. In water scarcity situation spray of [email protected]/100Ltr is helpful for crop.

Watering/irrigation play a very important role in the total production of sugarcane. The number of irrigation required will vary depending upon soil types, water availability and time of the year. The hot weather associated with dry winds and drought increases the water requirement of the crop.

Apply first irrigation when about 20-25% buds have germinated. But in monsoon, apply irrigation depending upon rainfall intensity and frequency.

In case of scanty of rainfall, apply irrigation with 10 days interval. And increase irrigation intervals afterwards, for example water with 20-25 days interval.

Do mulching in between cane rows to conserve moisture into the soil. Try to avoid water stress from April to June, because water stress during these days will reduce yield. Avoid water logging in standing field. Tillering stage and elongation or grand growth phase are critical for irrigation.

Soil between the furrows of canes, is taken with the help of spade and applied to the sides of the plants. It help to mix top dressed fertilizer well within the soil, also it help to support plant and prevent it from lodging.

Mulching is very beneficial for retaining moisture into the soil. It will also helps to prevent weeds from the sugarcane field. You can use organic materials for using as mulch.

Controlling Weeds

Weeds consume most of the nutrients from the field. So it’s very important to control weeds from the sugarcane field.

As sugarcane is widely space crop, weeding with hand or interculture operation can be easily carried out. Take 3-4 hoeing after every irrigation.

You can also use chemical for controlling weeds. Carry out pre-emergence weedicide application with Simazine or Atrazine at the rate of 600 to 800 grams per acre, or Metribuzine at the rate of 800 grams per acre, or Diuron at the rate of 1-1.2 kg per acre.

Apply pre-emergence herbicides immediately after planting. Apply 2,4-D at the rate of 250-300 g/acre as post-emergence herbicide for broad-spectrum weed control in sugarcane.

Step 11. Control Pests And Diseases

Like many other commercial crops, the sugarcane is also susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here we are shortly describing about the common pests and diseases of sugarcane plants.

Common diseases of the sugarcane plants are red rot, wilt and pokkah boeng.

• Red Rod: Common symptoms of this disease is, leaves from top, third and fourth show yellowing and drying. Discolored lesion on rind is shown at the later stage. Plant disease resistance varieties for controlling this disease. Select disease free sugarcane for planting and disinfect soil around the diseased clump with Carbendazim at the rate of 0.1% solution.
• Wilt: Root borer, nematodes, termite, drought and water logging condition cause plant to wilt infection. It reduces germination and also reduces yield. Use disease free setts for planting. Treat the setts with Carbendazim at the rate of 0.2% plus Boric acid at the rate of 0.2% for 10 minutes. Intercropping with garlic, coriander and onion will reduce this disease.
• Pokkah Boeng: Pokkah boeng is an air borne disease. The affected plants bear distorted and wrinkled leaves. The leaves show reddish patches at base of leaf blade. Spray with Carbendazim at the rate of 4 grams per liter of water or Copper Oxychloride at the rate of 3 grams per liter of water or Mancozeb at the rate of 3 gram per liter of water.

The sugarcane plants are affected by some pests. Here we are trying to describe about the most common pest of sugarcane and their controlling methods.

• Early Shoot Borer: The sugarcane plants are attacked by these pests in the germination stage upto internodes formations. The larva make holes in shoot below the ground level and then enter into it, and thus causes dead heart. Apply Chlorpyriphos at the rate of 1 liters per acre with 100 to 150 liters of water over the setts placed on furrows with the help of rosecan.
• White Grub: The white grubs are feed on root system and thus damage to crop. Entire drying up of stalks and easily dislodging of sugarcane are the main symptoms for white grub infestation. Treat the cane with Chlorpyriphos. Apply Phorate at the rate of 4 kg or Carbofuran at the rate of 13 kg per acre in the soil at or before sowing.
• Termites: Treat the sugarcane buds before planting. Dip the setts in imidacloprid solution at the rate of 4 m per 10 liter water for 2 minutes or at the time of planting spray Chlorpyriphos at the rate of 2 liters per acre on setts. If infestation occur in standing crop, drench with Imidacloprid@60ml/150litre of water or Chlorpyriphos@1ltr/200Ltr of water.
• Pyrilla: The adult pyrilla suck leaf sap under the surface of leaves. And it results in yellowing white spot and withering. Spray with Dimethoate or Acephate at the rate of 1-1.5ml per liter of water in severe infestation.
• Root Borer: Root borer enter into the root zone of shoot below ground. Yellowing of leaves from leaf apex to downwards along the margin is seen due to infestation. Treat the buds with Chlorpyriphos before planting. And if infestation is observed in field, do drenching with Chlorpyriphos 20EC@1Ltr/acre with 100-150Ltr of water near the root zone or do granular application of Quinalphos at the rate of 300ml per acre. Remove infected cane and destroyed it away from field.
• Stalk Borer: The larvae feeds on inner surface of leaf sheath, mid rib and stalk. Actually, it can attack any region of stalk. To prevent these pests, avoid excess use of nitrogen, keep the field clean and provide proper drainage. Chemical control is rarely effective. Release parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes@800 mated females/acre at weekly interval from July to November.
• Top Borer: Top borer attacks crops from tillering to maturity phase. The larvae makes tunnels into midribs causes white streak which later turns brown. To control do drenching of Rynaxypyr 20SC at the rate of 60ml per acre in 100-150 liter of water in between period of month end of April to first week of May. Maintain proper drainage in soil, as water logging increases top borer incidence.

Step 12. Harvesting

Harvesting of sugarcane at right time is very important for getting maximum yield and also for high sugar recovery. Harvesting at over aged or under aged sugarcane leads to loss in cane yield.

Harvesting time can be decided depending upon withering of leaves and juice. Some people also use hand sugar refractometer to know the right harvesting time.

Sickles are generally used for harvesting. Stalks are cut at ground level, so that the bottom sugar rich internodes are harvested which add to yield and sugar.

Quick disposal of the harvested sugarcane to factory is necessary after harvesting. Sugarcane provides a juice, which is used for making white sugar, and jaggery and many by products like bagasse and molasses.

Step 13. Yield

Exact amount of wild per hectare vary depending on numerous factors. On average, you can expect 100-150 tons per hectare.

Step 14. Marketing

Marketing sugarcane is very easy and simple. After harvesting, you can transport the sugarcane with tractors or lorry to local Government markets or sugar mills. You can also sell in the local market if you produce the chewing sugarcane types.

These are the steps and ways for staring and operating a successful sugarcane farming business. Sugarcane farming is a very good business and it’s highly profitable. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!

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BUSINESS PLAN FOR SUGARCANE FARMING

TABLE OF CONTENT

• Executive Summary

1.1       Management Team

1.2       Background of the Business

1.3       Product

1.4       Market

1.5       Competitor

1.6       Personnel Objectives

1.7       Business Goal

1.8       Objective

2.0       Marketing Plan

2.1       Marketing Goal

2.2       Sales Forecast

2.3       Revenue Forecast

2.4       Marketing Objectives

2.5       Strategies for Achieving the objective

2.6       Estimate of Cost of Marketing Action

3.0       Production and Operation Plan

4.0       Organizational and Human Resources Plan

4.1       Administrative Department

4.2       Marketing Department

4.3       Production Department

4.4       Maintenance and Security Department

4.5       Enterprise Employees

5.0       Financial Plan

5.1       Annual Personnel Cost

5.2       Estimate of Capital Expenditure

5.3       Estimate of Net working Capital

5.4       Cash Flow Forecast

5.6       Balance Sheet

5.7       Break-Even Analysis

5.8       Pay-back plan

6.0     Risk Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Miragrade Sugarcane Farm is a sole proprietorship agricultural business that is registered under the Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is owned by Mr. Olu Olawale, who has a Master Degree in Agricultural Technology and a Master in Business Administration. The business is located at No, 4, Step Down, Lagos Benin Express, Ore, Ondo State. The farm is intended to sit on a fifteen acres of land that will cover the farm itself and offices for administrative purposes. The expected total capital investment is N10,000,000 (Ten Millions Naira Only) and it is expected to commence in June, 2021.Going by the operational plan, marketing analysis, intended management approach, financial plan and projection and risk management plan ;the business is expected to generate massive return on investment, and hence it is considered a profitable and viable business.

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CHARGES FOR BUSINESS PLAN/PROPOSAL 0 - 50 Millions                         -N10, 000 N51Millions - N150Millions - N20, 000 151Millions - N300Millions - N30,000 301Millions - N500Millions -N40,000 501Millions AND ABOVE    - N50, 000

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How to Start a Profitable Sugarcane Farming Business

• February 26, 2023
• by Editorial Team

Sugarcane or sugar cane is a lucrative commercial cash crop. Here in this post, we list down the essential steps to start a profitable sugarcane farming business.

Basically, sugarcane is a tropical and subtropical perennial grass. It forms lateral shoots at the base to produce multiple stems. The scientific name of sugarcane is Saccharum officinarum. Additionally, it belongs to the grass family Poaceae.

The sugarcane plant is a coarse grass that is quite tall about 10-20 feet. A single plant bears many stems in a tuft. In addition, it comes with a thick solid and aerial stem.

Sugarcane cultivation is one of the major farming practices in the world. Some of the major sugarcane-growing countries are Brazil, India, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, and the USA. In India, major sugarcane-producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Assam, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Is Sugarcane Cultivation Profitable?

Sugarcane is the main source of sugar in Asia and Europe. Additionally, it is the major raw material for the production of white sugar, jaggery (Gur), and Khandsari. It is also used for chewing and extraction of juice for beverage purposes. Also, you can get various byproducts like bagasse, immature tops, molasses, press mud cake, etc. These all have different applications in several fields. Additionally, you can use immature green tops as fodder.

The sugarcane cultivation and sugar industry play a vital role in socioeconomic development globally. Basically, sugarcane is a cash crop that gives ready cash to the farmers.

Read: Most Profitable Cash Crops to Grow

Things To Consider in Sugarcane Cultivation

Generally, the plant needs long hours of sunshine and cool nights with clear skies. Additionally, the flat, plain, and level plateau is an advantage for sugarcane cultivation. Because it facilitates irrigation and transportation of cane to the sugar mills.

Sugarcane cultivation requires heavy manures and fertilizers because it exhausts the fertility of soils quickly and extensively. Additionally, it is a long-duration crop and requires 10 to 15 and even 18 months to mature. Sugarcane is a labor-intensive crop and needs cheap labor. Additionally, large-scale plantation demands agricultural equipment and machinery. Therefore, you have to prepare for that.

Best Varieties For Sugarcane Farming

Generally, the best variety depends on the location. More or less every country has developed and improved varieties for that particular location. Here we have compiled a list of the commercial variety of sugarcane that you can consider.

Location & Agro Climatic Condition For Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane is a tropical crop. Therefore, it requires a warm and humid climate for growth while a cool, sunny, and dry climate for ripening. The temperature requirement is 20°C to 26°C. However, germination does not take place when the temperature goes below 7°C.

Both extremes of temperature are harmful. In addition, severe cold arrests the growth, while an attack of stem borer increases in hot weather. It requires more than 1,375 mm of annual rainfall when grown as a rainfed crop. Generally, rainfall deficiency produces a fibrous cane, whereas too heavy rainfall reduces sugar content.

Suitable Soil For Sugarcane Farming

Actually, you can grow sugarcane on a wide range of soils. In fact, sugarcane can tolerate any kind of soil that can retain moisture. But deep rich loamy soils are ideal for its growth.

However, it grows best on well-drained, fertile medium to heavy soils. Additionally, soils rich in organic matter and leveled are most suitable. It is a heavy feeder crop so, should not be grown on light soils.

Related:  Is Soil Testing Important In Agriculture? 

Steps to Follow for Commercial Sugarcane Farming

1. land preparation.

Sugarcane stands in the field for more than one year. Therefore, you must prepare the land with two deep plowings. Leave expose the land to the sun for one to two months. Additionally, crush the clods with a clod crusher or Norwegian harrow. Add 35-50 tons FYM/ha. to the soil. Apply second crosswise plowing with the wooden plow. Additionally, level the land with the help of the end of the set and prepare the seedbed.

2. Planting

You can you 4 different types of methods for sugarcane planting. These are Ridge and furrow method, Flatbed method, Rayungan method, and Trench or Jawa method.

Ridge and Furrow Method: This is the most common method of sugarcane planting. In this method, the ridges and furrows are opened with the help of a ridge by keeping a 120 cm distance between furrows in heavy soil and a 105 cm distance in light to medium soil.

Wet Method: This method is followed in light to medium soil. You have to apply irrigation to the field before planting. Here you can plant the sets by pressing 2.5 to 5 cm deep in furrows with feet or hands. Place the end of the set to end by facing buds on the sides.

Dry Method: This method is followed in heavy soil to avoid pressing assets deep into the soil. You can place the sets in the furrow end to end by facing eye buds on the sides and cover by giving a layer of soil. After completion of planting, give irrigation to the field.

Flat Bed Method: Plough, harrow, and level the land and prepare the flatbeds. Lay down the cane at the end of the flatbed to end in rows.

Rayungan Method: In such cases, you can’t plant directly in the main field. After six weeks, you can transplant the sprouted sets in the main field when the danger of flooding is over.

Trench or Jawa Method: Here, you have to create trenches about 90 to 120 cm. apart and 22 to 30 cm. deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom and mix it with manures. Then, you can plant the sets in the middle of the trenches and cover them with soil.

3. Nutrient Management

Sugarcane is a long durational and heavy feeder crop. Therefore, it requires very high manure application. It is advisable to test the soil before planting. Manure the crop by the 25th and 75th days after harvest of the previous crop. Additionally, apply the entire quantity of phosphorus, half of the nitrogen, and potash as the first dose and the remaining as the second dose.

4. Irrigation

An optimum supply of water according to the stage of growth, season, and soil type are essential in sugarcane. However, heavy irrigation results in the deterioration of soil structure, salt accumulation, waterlogging conditions,s and wastage of water. On the other hand, a shortage of water results in stunted growth, pith formation in cane, and low yield. However, the total water requirement varies according to the type of crop. During the rainy season, there is no requirement for irrigation.

5. Weed Control

First of all, give two to five hand weedings at 20 days intervals depending upon the intensity of weeds in the case of the short furrow and serpentine furrow method. You can apply one pre-emergence spraying of weedicides like Atrazine or 2, 4-D @ 5 kg./ha. in 1025 liters of water to kill broad-leaved weeds.

6. Plant Protection

You must protect the plant from pests and diseases. Some of the most potential pests are top shoot borer, stem borer, Perilla, mealy bugs, grasshopper, termites, wooly aphids, field rats, and whitefly. It is advisable to adopt the right method for plant protection.

Additionally, you have to protect the plant from different diseases. Some of the most potential diseases are whip smut, red – rot, rust, twisted top, grassy shoot, and mosaic.

7. Harvesting & Yield

You must harvest the sugarcane crop at the right stage of maturity. Both early and delayed harvesting results in a loss of quality and quantity of the final product. Cut the sugarcane to ground level with a cane-cutting knife. Also, you can use machines for large-scale harvesting. You can expect an average yield of 100 tons/ha from commercial sugarcane cultivation.

Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.

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Sugarcane Farming Business Plan Template

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Introduction

Global market size, target market, business model, competitive landscape, legal and regulatory requirements, financing options, marketing and sales strategies, operations and logistics, human resources & management, why write a business plan.

Why write a business plan? A business plan is an essential tool for any business, and particularly for a farming business like Sugarcane Farming. A business plan can help in the following ways: 1. Articulate and flesh out business goals and objectives: Writing a business plan forces business owners to think critically about their goals and objectives, and to clearly define them. This can be beneficial not only for the business owner, but also for potential investors or partners who want to understand the direction and vision of the business. 2. Serve as a roadmap for the business: A business plan acts as a roadmap for the business, helping to keep it on track and focused on its goals. This is especially important for a farming business, which can face many challenges and distractions. A well-written business plan can help the business stay on course and make decisions that align with its long-term objectives. 3. Communicate the business's vision: A business plan can be a valuable tool for communicating the business's vision to employees, customers, and other key stakeholders. It provides a clear and concise explanation of what the business stands for, its values, and its goals. This can help to build trust and loyalty among stakeholders and create a sense of purpose within the business. 4. Understand the competition: Writing a business plan involves conducting a competitive analysis, which is essential for any business to thrive. This analysis allows the business to understand its competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and how the business can differentiate itself in the market. This understanding can help the business create better products and services and market more effectively. 5. Determine financial needs: A business plan helps to determine the financial needs of the business, including how much capital is needed to start the business and how much fundraising is required. This is crucial for a farming business, as it often requires significant upfront investment in land, equipment, and supplies. 6. Analyze and improve the business model: Writing a business plan requires the business owner to think critically about their business model and analyze it further. This process can help to identify any gaps or weaknesses in the model and find ways to improve it to increase revenues and profitability. 7. Attract investors and partners: A well-written business plan can be a powerful tool for attracting investors and partners to the business. It provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the business's potential and can help to build their confidence in the business's success. 8. Position the brand: A business plan allows the business to define its role in the marketplace and position its brand accordingly. This can help to create a unique identity for the business and differentiate it from its competitors. 9. Uncover new opportunities: The process of brainstorming and drafting a business plan can help the business owner to see their business in a new light. This can lead to new ideas for products, services, and marketing strategies that can help the business grow and succeed. 10. Track growth and success: A business plan allows the business to track its growth and success by comparing actual operational results to the forecasts and assumptions in the plan. This can help the business to make necessary adjustments and updates to ensure its long-term success and survival. In conclusion, writing a business plan is crucial for the success of any business, and particularly for a farming business like Sugarcane Farming. It provides a roadmap, helps to understand competition and customers, attracts investors, and allows the business to continuously improve and grow.

Business plan content

Business Plan Components for a Sugarcane Farming Business: 1. Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of the entire business plan, summarizing the key points and objectives of the business. It should be concise, yet convincing enough to capture the attention of potential investors or lenders. 2. Company Overview: This section describes the legal structure of the business, its mission and vision, and its core values. It also includes information about the founders, their background and experience, and the location of the business. 3. Industry Analysis: Here, the current state and future projections of the sugarcane farming industry are analyzed. This includes information about market trends, growth potential, and key drivers and challenges. 4. Consumer Analysis: This section identifies the target market for the sugarcane farm, including the demographics, preferences, and needs of potential customers. It also includes a competitive analysis of other sugarcane farms in the area. 5. Competitor Analysis & Advantages: This section evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of competitors and explains how the sugarcane farm will differentiate itself and gain a competitive advantage in the market. 6. Marketing Strategies & Plan: This section outlines the marketing strategies and tactics that will be used to promote the sugarcane farm and reach the target market. It also includes a budget and timeline for implementing these strategies. 7. Plan of Action: This section details the operational plan for the sugarcane farm, including the production process, equipment and supplies needed, and staffing requirements. It also includes a timeline for launching and scaling the business. 8. Management Team: This section introduces the key members of the management team and their roles and responsibilities. It also highlights their relevant experience and qualifications. 9. Financial Plan: This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial aspects of the business. It includes a start-up and operating budget, projected income statement, cash flow statement, balance sheet, and break-even analysis. 10. Appendices: This section includes any additional supporting documents and information, such as resumes of key team members, market research data, and legal documents. In conclusion, a well-written business plan for a sugarcane farming business should cover all these components in detail to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the business and its potential for success.

Instructions for the business plan template

Instructions for the Business Plan Template: 1. Download the Sugarcane Farming business plan template from the provided link. 2. The template is a Word document that can be edited to include your specific business information. It is recommended to save a copy of the template before making any changes. 3. The template contains instructions in red font and tips in blue font to guide you through each section of the business plan. It is important to read and follow these instructions carefully. 4. The template includes all necessary sections for a comprehensive business plan, except for the financial forecast. You will need to input your own financial data and projections in this section. 5. Fill in the required information in each section of the template, such as your business name, executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategies, and operational plan. Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information. 6. Use the tips provided in the template to help you write a strong and convincing business plan. These tips are designed to assist you in presenting your business idea and goals effectively. 7. Once you have completed all sections of the template, review your business plan to ensure that it is well-written, organized, and free of errors. 8. If you need additional help with drafting your business plan, you can set up a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our consultants. They can provide guidance and feedback on your business plan. 9. Save your completed business plan and use it as a guide for starting and growing your Sugarcane Farming business. Remember to update your plan regularly as your business evolves.

Ongoing business planning

Ongoing business planning is crucial for a Sugarcane Farming business as it helps in achieving long-term success and sustainability. Here are some key reasons why ongoing business planning is important for a Sugarcane Farming business: 1. Adapt to changing market conditions: The agricultural industry, including sugarcane farming, is subject to constant changes due to factors such as weather, soil conditions, and market demand. Ongoing business planning allows a farmer to regularly review and adjust their business strategies to adapt to these changes and stay competitive. 2. Set realistic goals and targets: A business plan helps a sugarcane farmer set realistic goals and targets for their business. However, these goals and targets may need to be adjusted as the business grows and evolves. Ongoing business planning allows a farmer to regularly review and reassess their goals and targets to ensure they are achievable and aligned with the current market conditions. 3. Identify new opportunities: As a sugarcane farmer, it is important to constantly look for new opportunities to expand and diversify your business. Ongoing business planning allows a farmer to regularly assess their business operations and identify potential areas for growth and improvement. 4. Manage resources effectively: Proper business planning helps a farmer allocate their resources, such as land, labor, and equipment, efficiently. As the business grows, the resource needs may change, and ongoing planning allows a farmer to adjust their resource allocation accordingly. 5. Monitor financial performance: Ongoing business planning involves regularly reviewing and analyzing the financial performance of the business. This allows a farmer to identify any areas of concern and make necessary adjustments to improve profitability and sustainability. 6. Secure financing: A well-developed business plan is essential when seeking financing for a sugarcane farming business. However, as the business grows and evolves, the financial needs may change. Ongoing business planning ensures that the business plan is up to date and can be used to secure financing for expansion or new ventures. In conclusion, ongoing business planning is crucial for the long-term success of a Sugarcane Farming business. It allows a farmer to adapt to changing market conditions, set realistic goals and targets, identify new opportunities, manage resources effectively, monitor financial performance, and secure financing. It should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a one-time task to ensure the continued growth and success of the business.

Bespoke business plan services

Looking for a Customized Business Plan for Your Sugarcane Farming Business?

Our Expertise At Avvale Consulting, we specialize in providing high-quality business plan templates for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our team has years of experience working with startups and has helped over 300 businesses across various industries to raise over $100 million in funding. We have a deep understanding of what investors are looking for and have created business plan templates that are tailored to meet their needs. Our business plan templates are designed to be user-friendly and can be easily completed by anyone, regardless of their business stage or expertise. We understand that creating a business plan can be a daunting task, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. That's why our templates are designed to guide you through the process and ensure that all the necessary information is included. In addition to our business plan templates, we also offer a free 30-minute consultation with our experienced consultants. This consultation allows you to ask any questions you have about starting or growing your business. Our consultants have extensive knowledge in various industries, including [specific industry], and can provide valuable insights and advice for your business. Moreover, we also offer bespoke business plan services, where our team will work closely with you to create a personalized business plan for your specific business needs. This service includes a 5-year financial forecast to help you plan and secure funding for your business. At Avvale Consulting, we are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. Our business plan templates are the result of years of experience and expertise, and we are confident that they will help you on your business growth journey. So, whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, download our business plan template and get started today. About Us Avvale Consulting is a leading startup business consulting firm based in [location]. Our team of consultants has extensive experience working with startups and has helped businesses from all around the world to achieve success. We have a diverse team with a strong background in various industries, including [specific industry], and we are committed to using our expertise to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. We understand that every business is unique, and that's why our approach is personalized to meet the specific needs of each client. Our goal is to help businesses grow and reach their full potential. We have a range of services, including business plan templates, bespoke business plan creation, and other value-added products such as investor lists and introductions to angel investors. At Avvale Consulting, we are passionate about entrepreneurship and are dedicated to helping businesses succeed. We believe that our business plan templates are the perfect tool for entrepreneurs to kickstart their business journey and achieve their goals. Download our template today and let us be a part of your success story.

Business plan template FAQ

Q: What is a Sugarcane Farming business plan? A: A Sugarcane Farming business plan is a detailed document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections for starting and running a sugarcane farm. It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs to follow in order to turn their business idea into a successful and sustainable venture. Q: Why do I need a business plan for my sugarcane farm? A: A business plan is essential for any business, including a sugarcane farm, as it helps you to define your goals, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and develop a clear and comprehensive plan for achieving success. It also serves as a tool for attracting investors, securing loans, and making informed decisions for the future of your business. Q: Can I use the Sugarcane Farming business plan template for any type of sugarcane farm? A: Yes, the business plan template is designed to be adaptable to different types of sugarcane farms, including small-scale and large-scale operations. You can customize the template to fit your specific business model and goals. Q: Do I need any special skills or experience to use the business plan template? A: No, the business plan template is designed to be user-friendly and does not require any special skills or experience. However, it is recommended that you have some knowledge or experience in the sugarcane farming industry to fully understand and utilize the template. Q: How long does it take to complete the business plan using the template? A: The time it takes to complete the business plan using the template will vary depending on your experience and the size and complexity of your sugarcane farm. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete the plan. Q: Is the Sugarcane Farming business plan template customizable? A: Yes, the business plan template is fully customizable. You can add or remove sections, change the layout, and input your own data and information to make it unique to your business. Q: Can I use the business plan template for multiple purposes, such as securing funding and guiding my business operations? A: Yes, the business plan template is versatile and can be used for various purposes. You can use it to attract investors, secure loans, and guide your business operations on an ongoing basis. Q: Are there any ongoing fees or subscriptions for using the business plan template? A: No, there are no ongoing fees or subscriptions for using the business plan template. Once you purchase the template, it is yours to use and customize as needed. Q: What if I have questions or need help while using the business plan template? A: If you have any questions or need assistance while using the business plan template, you can reach out to our customer support team for help. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and will do our best to assist you in any way we can.