Sugar beets are processed into sugar and these provide a natural and sustainable alternative sugar source to sugarcane. Sugar beat cultivation begins with land preparation which begins by clearing the land of weeds, rocks and debris. The soil is then ploughed, levelled and enriched with organic matter and fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions of the sugar beet.
Sugar beet cultivation
Sugar beet seeds are planted directly into the prepared soil. The seeds can either be broadcasted or planted precisely in rows.
As the sugar beet grows, various management practices like weeding, thinning and irrigation are essential to promote healthy plant growth and maximize yields.
Weeding is highly critical as sugar beets are sensitive to weed competition.
Sugar beets are harvested after the sugar beets have reached maturity and have reached the maximum sugar content.
Specialized machinery like combined harvester, lifters and loaders are used in the harvesting of the sugar beets.
After harvesting, the sugar beets are transported to factories where sugar is extracted.
