Cane farmers present their requests to Sukari Industries

Hundreds of sugar cane farmers in Ndhiwa on Sunday presented their grievances to Sukari Industries Ltd.

Through Ndhiwa Outgrowers Cane Farmers Association, the farmers appealed to the miller's management to structuralise the harvesting of cane.

Association secretary Milton Orwe, chairman William Oyugi and member Millicent Aoko said they have been incurring huge losses due to delays in harvesting of cane.

Orwe said poor harvesting procedures push the industry to outsource cane and leave local farmers with mature produce.

“It's important for the matter of delayed harvesting of cane to be addressed amicably. We've faced serious monetary and other problems around the way our cane should be harvested,” Orwe said.

Other problems they outlined include reduction of cane price.

Farmers also asked the miller to open additional outlet offices and automated weighbridge points to reduce transport costs and supply of inputs to farmers.

“About 70 per cent of land in Ndhiwa is under sugar cane. Many youths have been involved in the crop production for their livelihoods, hence they shouldn't get demoralised over what can be solved,” Orwe said.

Aoko said their grievances need to be addressed urgently so they can pay school fees for their children and put food on the table.

The meeting at Malela market was attended by Sukari Industries general manager David Okoth and area MP Martin Owino.

Okoth said most delays in cane harvesting occur due to poor roads.

He said they have made plans to expand their crushing capacity from 2,000 to 5,000 tonnes in the next five months.

Sukari Industries is installing new machines to enhance work efficiency.

“We appeal to our farmers to be patient because we’re sure most of the problems they have highlighted will be addressed. The company also doesn’t want to lose the quality of sucrose from the cane because of delayed harvesting,” Okoth said.

The management asked farmers to report field officers who ask for bribes.

“Let’s know the officers who take bribes for preferential and selective cane harvesting. Legal action should be taken against them,” the manager added.

Owino said they are working closely with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra) to improve roads leading to the miller.

The MP urged the Homa Bay government to show them roads they have improved using the cess money they collect from the miller.

“Let the county government stop collecting money from Sukari Industries because many roads are in a bad state. Dilapidated roads contribute to delays in harvesting of cane from the farms,” Owino said.

He said they are going to support the Kenya Sugarcane Bill-2019 sponsored by Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi to address challenges affecting local cane farmers.

Edited by A.N