Farmers to get better pay as cane prices go up

Sugarcane farmers in Kenya’s cane belt will now take home better pay after the Cane Pricing Committee on Thursday, September 29 from Ksh 3,670 to Ksh 3,800 per tone.

Speaking to Radio Ramogi, Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Secretary General, Ezra Okoth, who is a member in the committee representing farmers said the new prices will take effect on October 1, 2016 and will again be adjusted on November 1, 2016 depending with the market.

Okoth said all millers must adhere to the new pricing saying that any company that will not effect the new price will be penalized urging farmers to give feedback to the federation.

The Secretary General also lauded the government on its commitment to reduce sugar importation, a move he said has resulted to better cane prices.

He also called on farmers to embark on large scale cane production so as to increase sugar production volumes by the local millers.

Beside increase in cane price, Okoth said the committee also agreed to allow farmers to buy sugar directly from the sugar company at a cheaper price compared to the prices at supermarkets or retail shops.

He said it is unfortunate that farmers, who are major contributors to the sugar industry, have been buying sugar at high prices from the supermarkets.