Sugarcane farmers in Busoga sub-region have breathed a sigh of relief after the government of Kenya granted them a temporary permit to export their produce across the border.
Many out growers in Busoga Sub-region have been making losses since the millers in the area could not crash all the cane being produced.
But the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on August 21 issued a six-month cane exportation permit to Musibi Farmers Limited that is based in Mayuge District.
Kenyan authorities require Ugandan cane exporters to accompany their produce with an inspection certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in Uganda.
Kenya also put stringent measures including being free from pests and diseases on arrival at the importing factory
“The consignment (is) to be inspected on arrival and the importing authority reserves the right to treat, destroy or refuse importation,” the permit instructions read in part.
Mr Michael Mugabira, the coordinator of Uganda Sugarcane Growers Association, said the Kenya is willing to import up to 600 tonnes of cane daily for the six months granted on the permit.
Excited farmers
“Our farmers are ready and are also excited by this opportunity. Once our government does its obligation, we will start right away,” Mr Mugabira said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, government has changed its stance on exportation of cane after learning that the farmers have successfully convinced the Kenyan government to issue them with the permit.
On Tuesday, State minister for Trade Michael Werikhe told Parliament that the government is encouraging farmers, who want to export cane to Kenya, to apply for export permits from KEPHIS and Kenya Sugar Board.
Mr Werikhe also revealed that farmers, who are contracted to local millers or factories, must first fulfill the contractual obligations before supplying the excess cane to Kenya.
He called for the fast-tracking of the Sugar Bill that was returned to Parliament by President Museveni early this year because it would “address the gaps” in coordination and regulation of the sector.
