The sugarcane farmers of Migori County have issued a strong call to action for sugar millers to adopt improved payment plans, emphasizing the need for timely compensation. Argwengs Adongo, the Migori branch secretary of the Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, spearheaded the appeal, stating that without better payment terms, millers will no longer receive cane from the farmers.
Adongo applauded the national government for its recent efforts in clearing all outstanding arrears owed to the farmers. This significant move has relieved many farmers who had been struggling with delayed payments, and now they seek to ensure that such issues do not recur.
“The government’s intervention to clear the backlog of payments was a commendable step, but we cannot stop there,” Adongo stated. “The millers must commit to paying the farmers within one to two weeks of cane delivery. This is non-negotiable.”
The secretary stressed the importance of immediate payment, highlighting that delays in the past had led to considerable financial strain on the farmers, affecting their livelihoods and the sustainability of their operations. “We are not going to allow millers to accumulate debts again,” he declared firmly.
Adongo’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among the farmers who have long been at the mercy of millers’ inconsistent payment schedules. These farmers depend on the timely sale of their cane for their daily sustenance and operational costs.
The call for better payment plans comes at a critical time when the sugar industry in Kenya is undergoing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability. The farmers’ insistence on timely payments is seen as a pivotal step towards stabilizing the sector and ensuring that all stakeholders benefit fairly from the sugarcane trade.
As the debate over payment schedules continues, it remains to be seen how the millers will respond to these demands. However, the message from Migori’s cane farmers is clear: timely and reliable payment is essential for the continued delivery of high-quality cane.
Adongo concluded with a note of optimism, expressing hope that the millers would heed the farmers’ call and implement the necessary changes. “Our farmers are dedicated to producing the best cane, and we believe that with the right support and fair payment practices, the future of sugarcane farming in Migori will be bright and prosperous.”
For now, the farmers of Migori County await a positive response from the millers, hopeful that their plea for a more reliable payment plan will be met with the urgency and respect it deserves.
