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Calls for farmers to abandon cane farming and embrace other agricultural ventures are malicious and only meant to hurt the sugar industry.
There are three issues I would like to raise on the subject.
First, which is the substitute for cane farming? We can all see that currently almost all farmers, from maize, wheat to tea growers, are having difficulties dealing with markets, middlemen, financial institutions and policy-making organs. There is no miracle agricultural venture to turn to.
Secondly, it is easier said than done. Sugar growing in Western and Nyanza should not be taken lightly. This is a tradition and it has taken decades to establish the practice. To replace sugar growing with any other commodity, the Government must be prepared to undertake radical educational measures to help communities rethink and redirect their energy.
Lastly, we need genuine commitment. We know what ails sugar production – poor management of industries and lack of Government commitment in supporting the industry. The zeal the Jubilee Government has shown in uplifting the ailing tourism industry should be the same one to turn around the sugar industry.
Therefore, let us support and strengthen the sugarcane growing sector as a nation, because we will all benefit in the end.
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