Sugarcane farmers led by Awendo MP Jared Kopiyo demo over cheap imports in Awendo town
By MN Reporter
Migori County Government has embarked on a massive crackdown on those suspected to be trading on illegally imported sugar in the county.
The County Governor, Zachary Okoth Obado, ordered for thorough inspection of vehicles transporting cheap sugar within the county to ensure no such commodity is brought into the county from neighbouring countries.
Farmers in Migori County have reported cases of suspected importation of sugar from neighbouring countries, which they say will affect the industry.
Obado urged farmers to assist the county government in the fight against the malpractice and to ensure those suspected are reported to the authority for legal action.
The Governor further called on the national government to allow for the privatization of Sony Sugar Company to enable farmers reform it and make it more profitable.
“It will be to the benefit of our farmers if the company is privatized. We shall be in a position to reform it and make it better,” he said.
He asked stakeholders in the sugar industry to sensitize farmers to practice modern farming techniques that will help improve production and food security in the county.
Obado revealed that the county government has plans to establish more sugar and other agricultural industries in the county which will allow accessibility for the farmers.
The Kenya National Sugarcane Farmers Union, Chairman, Ezra Okoth, called on farmers to work closely with county governments to help improve productivity and boost the sector.
They were addressing more than 30 officials from Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu counties at Sony Sugar Company over the weekend.
