Sony Sugar acting Managing Director Bernard Otieno says the sugar miller has been unable to meet its full crushing capacity due to low cane supply. [Photo:standardmedia.co.ke]
Sony Sugar Milling Company plans to introduce early maturing cane to alleviate the perennial cane shortage problem the firm has been experiencing over the years.
Sony Sugar acting Managing Director Bernard Otieno says the sugar miller has been unable to meet its full crushing capacity due to low cane supply.
The low earnings in sugarcane farming have prompted some farmers in the Western region to abandon the crop in favor of more profitable ones as well as to food crops.
This has largely affected cane supply to sugar companies in the region, with most of them being unable to meet their crushing capacity.
The South Nyanza Sugar Milling Company now plans to introduce early maturing cane to the firm’s contracted farmers to ensure a constant supply.
MD Otieno says the firm has also been experiencing low cane supply due to increased poaching of contracted farmers by neighboring millers.
He has also decried the influx of cheap imported sugar which has prompted local millers to lower the price of the commodity to increase sales.