Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-14 09:58:42
Sugarcane farmers in Uganda are facing a contentious issue regarding the proposal to ban field weighbridges by the Uganda Sugar Manufacturers’ Association (USMA). The farmers are vehemently opposing this proposal, citing the significant benefits that field weighbridges provide to them in their sugarcane farming operations.
The concerns of the farmers stem from a letter dated August 24, 2023, sent to the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on tourism, trade, and industry, Mr. Mwine Mpaka, signed by USMA chairperson, Mr. Jim Kabeho. In the letter, Mr. Kabeho highlights the competition for sugarcane in the region, leading to the proliferation of field weighbridges, which has exacerbated the issue of sugarcane poaching.
The USMA’s proposal urges the government to eliminate the operation and establishment of field weighbridges to minimize sugarcane poaching. According to USMA data, there are currently 19 weighbridges set up in various parts of the Busoga sub-region.
During the annual USMA General Meeting, Mr. Kabeho raised concerns about the drastic reduction in farmers’ yields, attributing it to the re-emergence of weighbridges in the last two years. He emphasized the detrimental impact on farmers, with yields dropping to 50-60 tons per hectare from 110-120 tons previously.
Mr. Kabeho also expressed concerns about the management of the weighbridges by non-agriculturists, accusing them of cheating farmers under the guise of reducing transport costs. Previously, farmers had to transport their raw sugarcane to distant sugar mills, incurring additional transport costs and involving middlemen in the process.
However, with the introduction of field weighbridges, farmers can now transport their cane to nearby weighing stations, pay promptly, and avoid the lengthy process of waiting at the sugar mills for permits. This convenience has significantly improved the efficiency and profitability of sugarcane farming for many.
Despite these benefits, some sugarcane farmers and stakeholders argue that eliminating weighbridges would be detrimental to the industry. They point out that weighbridges have created job opportunities, reduced fuel expenses, and streamlined the process of transporting sugarcane to the mills.
In response to the proposal, Mr. Godfrey Biriwali, the chairperson of Great Busoga Sugarcane Farmers’ Union, suggests that millers should focus on registering farmers to prevent poaching rather than removing weighbridges. This proactive approach aims to address the issue of sugarcane poaching while maintaining the benefits of field weighbridges for farmers.
In conclusion, the debate over the ban on field weighbridges in Uganda continues to spark controversy among sugarcane farmers and industry stakeholders. While some support the proposal as a means to tackle poaching challenges, others emphasize the importance of weighbridges in improving efficiency and profitability in sugarcane farming. Finding a balance between these competing interests will be essential in shaping the future of the sugarcane industry in Uganda.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
