Farmers, organized under the Busoga Sugarcane Growers Cooperative Union, are urging for stable sugarcane prices to prevent a potential crisis within the industry. Speaking at a press conference in Jinja, the farmers emphasized that price stability is crucial for the viability of the sugar industry in hosting communities and protects farmers from manipulation by middlemen and millers.
Issa Budhugo, the chairperson of the cooperative union, highlighted the need for price assurance to avoid a recurrence of the sugar crisis witnessed between 2018 and mid-2022. During this period, sugarcane prices plummeted from 123,000 to 25,000 Shillings per tonne, leading to significant challenges for farmers and prompting many to abandon sugarcane cultivation in favor of other crops, resulting in the current sugarcane scarcity.
Budhugo expressed concerns about the industry being dominated by syndicated middlemen who manipulate demand and supply dynamics to force native farmers out of the sector. Despite the Sugar Act abolishing zoning and introducing a free-market economy, Budhugo argued that millers independently determine tonnage prices without considering production costs.
Isaac Suubi, a sugarcane farmer from Kamuli district, acknowledged the current relief with prices ranging from 230,000 to 245,000 Shillings per tonne. However, he cautioned that without clear price definitions, farmers could face challenges during expected bumper harvests in upcoming seasons.
Samuel Akalyamawa, a sugarcane farmer from Buyengo Town Council, noted a reduction in millers providing subsidies for agricultural inputs and transport trucks, impacting farmers’ profit margins. He called on the government to establish a task force to encourage transparent disclosure of diverse products extracted from raw sugarcane and ensure fair and stable prices for farmers.
Akalyamawa also urged parliament to cluster sugarcane farmers within the agricultural ministry, asserting that their demands for inputs and machinery support are not adequately addressed within the trade docket.
