Farmers can sell cane to any miller

By KEVINE OMOLLO

Kisumu, KENYA:  Sugarcane farmers are free to sell their produce to millers who provide better terms, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei has said.

Koskei, who was responding to various millers’ concerns over cane theft, seemed to have triggered a debate over the battle for cane in parts of Western.

“Some of the main issues which have been raised by cane farmers include low prices, delayed payments and poor extension services. Millers must honour agreements so as to win the trust of their suppliers,” said Koskei.

He challenged millers to create a business enabling environment through reviewing their terms and improving their services to entice farmers. Koskei said there should be clear guidelines on cane growing areas to avoid wrangles.

Stormed out

Millers in Western region have had confrontations over what they term intrusion by other millers into their areas.

Mumias, West Kenya and Butali sugar companies are among the millers held in a tussle over cane supply.

Koskei who toured Kibos Sugar and Applied Industries in Kisumu County on Sunday challenged stakeholders in the industry to work together and improve cane farming instead of trading accusations.

He said the Affa Act was clear on cane areas hence would iron out the issues facing the sugar industry.

Last month cane farmers from Western stormed out of a sugarcane stakeholders meeting called by the Ministry of Agriculture in Kisumu to discuss the Agriculture Fisheries and Food Authority (Affa) Act 2013.

The farmers said the Act was aimed at exploiting them by not giving them a right over cane production.

Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association Secretary General Richard Ogendo said cane farmers would continue to do business with millers on convenient terms.

Leaders from Western have condemned a call to revoke the operating licence issued to Butali and termed it misinformed and against the law.

They said the move would affect millions of residents who depend on sugarcane farming as a source of livelihood.

Led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, they said individuals who seek to monopolise the sugarcane industry in the region are spearheading the move. “If they close the miller, farmers will be left to sell their cane to one company and this will increase exploitation of farmers. We don’t want our sons to become jobless and hopeless,” said Khalwale.

[email protected]