Mumias Sugar Company has announced that it will harvest and crush cane for Nzoia Sugar Company.
This is part of a deal the two millers have reached since Nzoia lacks the capacity to handle all the cane that is ready for harvesting. Nzoia can only crush 3,100 tonnes of cane per day.
Speaking in Mabanga yesterday, Nzoia Sugar Company Chairman Joash Wamang'oli said Mumias would harvest overgrown sugar cane in Bumula, Sang'alo, Mechimeru and Sitikkho.
He said without the deal the cane may have taken them three years to harvest.
"We have a surplus of the raw material and we have agreed with Mumias to help us harvest and crush it. Nzoia cannot handle all the cane alone. This (deal) will help us pay farmers on time after delivering their cane," Mr Wamang'oli said.
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"This pact will reduce the burden on our shoulders. Many farmers have been complaining that we have delayed harvesting their cane and that is why we have entered into this agreement with Mumias," he added. Wamang'oli said delayed harvesting has led to cane poaching which hurts farmer because they sell their produce at a throw away price.
