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{
    "id": 1282217,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1282217/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 263,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ndhiwa, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Martin Owino",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Temporary Speaker, I thank the Committee, especially the originator of the Bill, Hon. Wangwe. The Sugar Development Levy which has been apportioned from 15 per cent for income or price stabilisation, 20 per cent for the Board and 45 per cent for infrastructure development to support farmers in research is timely. Farmers do not get profits from what they produce. The levy will help in providing credit advances to farmers so that they do good farming. In Clause 34, I request that we look into the powers that we want to give the Cabinet Secretary to determine and gazette what levy to impose on local production of sugar. We will give the Cabinet Secretary a lot of power. Why not just indicate that 10 per cent of sugar produced is specified for importation? That figure should be revised to 15 per cent. Let us draft a specific provision in the law and not give leeway to the Cabinet Secretary to make that decision. That is where corruption starts. I will propose amendments during the Committee of the whole House. Hon. Temporary Speaker, problems always arise in any setting, whether it is family or community. There will be disputes among sugarcane farmers, out-growers and millers. Pricing and contract farming have always been disputed. The Bill provides for a tribunal to preside over such issues. That is progress. I would like other Members to be brief so that more Members can contribute to the Bill. If this Bill is enacted, there will be improvement in farms. Even in Ndhiwa, whose main source of income is sugarcane farming, life will improve. Farmers will access cheaper and affordable farm inputs. Farming operations are very difficult. Weighing machines and roads will be taken care of by the Board and that is a good thing. Lastly, price stabilisation will be a jackpot for all farmers. As I support the Bill, I encourage Members to be brief so that we finish the Second Reading and go to the Committee of the whole House. Than you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}