By Bisola Adeyemo
Kenya government on Wednesday approved an increment in the price of cane from the current Sh3, 833 per tonne to Sh4, 112 per tonne which take effective November 18th, 2021.
The increment came due to enhanced investments by both the Government and private sector players.
Following a press statement made available by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS), Peter Munya, sugarcane price which has been considered over the past three months, now the Committee has finally resolved to base the cane price on the average ex-factory sugar price of Sh4, 770 per 50kg bag for October 2021, KNA reports.
“Cumulatively, sugar production in January to October 2021 was 577,807 tonnes compared to 514,727 tonnes produced in the same period last year, indicating a 12 per cent increase. Sugar production increase is due to improved availability of sugar cane in all sugar growing areas attributed to favourable weather conditions and improved cane prices. The projected sugar production in 2021 is estimated at over 660,000 metric tonnes,” explained Munya.
The CS highlighted that the Crops (Sugar) (General) Regulations, 2020 specifies the various requirements for contracts and agreements between cane growers and millers, handling, and supply of sugarcane.
While directing millers to adhere to the new prices, Munya warns t that any farmer should not be paid less, any farmer being payless should make a report to the Agriculture and Food Authority for redress.