Revival of cane growing a boost to Coast region

By Philip Mwakio

The Director of Agriculture, Johnson Irungu, has called on farmers in Ramisi to engage in cane growing following the revival of sugar cane farming in the area.

Speaking during a tour of the Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (Kiscol) farm, Mr Irungu said revival plans could not have come at a better time, when plans to boost the economy are receiving top priority. " Following the Government’s recent move on revival of stalled projects and the launch of Sh2 billion National Economic Stimulus Programme on Food by the Head of State, the Kiscol project is an example of public and private sector commitment towards stimulating the economy," he said.

He added that after the Government cleared a debt left by former owners of Ramisi Sugar Factory, which folded up in April 1988, Kiscol came in 2007, after being appointed by the Government to revive cane growing and milling.

"This project will create jobs for Coast residents and help them alleviate poverty,’’ said Irungu.

Viable project

Agriculture managers drawn from the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), Mumias, Butali, Nzoia, Muhoroni and the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation (Kesref) accompanied Irungu.

KSB Agriculture Manager, Frederick Kebeney said the project being undertaken by Kiscol is viable.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto launched the seed cane planting at the nursery last month.

Kiscol plans to put up to 70 hectares of land under seed cane nursery, which will eventually see seed cane from 20 hectares given to out grower farmers while the nucleus farm retains seed cane material from the remaining 50 hectares.