By Flavia Ajok
Sugarcane farmers in Masindi district, under their umbrella, Masindi Sugarcane Growers’ Association Limited (MSGAL), have banned harvesting sugarcane under the age of 13 months.
The resolution was made over the weekend during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Kabango Church of Uganda in Kabango Town Council Masindi district.
Robert Atugonza, the MSGAL Chairperson, told members that the cane harvesting age has been lingering between ten and twelve months, but a Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) recommends above that, noting that the current CPC is 14 months.
He, however, stressed that some farmers contact the miller to harvest the sugarcane, which is premature, thus affecting both the seller and other farmers’ income.
Atugonza asserted that when farmers fail to agree on age to harvest their cane, it will affect them and cause a bad working relationship with the miller.
He therefore advised farmers to get loans instead of harvesting premature sugarcane, asserting that even if they harvest their cane below the age of 13 months, they are not paid instantly.
