Cane zoning plan angers lobbies

Cane farmers’ lobbies have vowed to go to court should the Government insists on introducing cane zoning in the sugar industry to tame rampant cane poaching.

Although the proposed creation of sugarcane zones is aimed at binding contracted and private cane farmers in specific areas to specific millers, some farmers are against it.

Yesterday, Kenya National Alliance of Sugarcane Farmers (Knasfo) Chairman Saul Busolo vowed to mobilise cane farmers to oppose the idea, terming it ‘’weird’’.

‘’We have said no to zoning, but it appears our strong resolve is being overlooked. We may be forced now to seek further legal exposition of this matter,’’ said Busolo.

Other lobbies, including the Kenya Association of Sugarcane Farmers and Allied Products (Kasfap) and the Kenya National Sugarcane Growers Association (Knsga), have also opposed the proposal, saying it would limit their market scope.

‘’Something weird is going on up there. Why would someone still insist on cane zoning when we farmers unilaterally told the task force no to zoning,’’ said Kasfap Chairman Charles Atyang in Kisumu.

Kensga Secretary General Richard Ogendo, on the other hand, urged the task force looking into the woes facing the sugar industry to shelve the idea.

‘’We want the task force to expunge proposals to introduce zoning in the sugar industry, which defies the fundamental principles of a free market economy,’’ said Ogendo.

The task force has since concluded its findings and validated the reports gathered from the industry players and farmers across the sugar growing zones.