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{
    "id": 1464786,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1464786/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 214,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Lurambi, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Titus Khamala",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, regarding the reduction of sugarcane prices by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). The Agriculture and Food Authority was established under Section 3 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, Cap 317 with the mandate of regulating, developing and promoting scheduled crops in the country, including sugarcane. The authority plays a critical role in promoting crops value chain for increased economic growth in the country. However, recent price changes by AFA have raised significant concerns among sugarcane farmers and stakeholders in the sugar industry. On 7th August 2024, AFA issued a notice directing a reduction in sugarcane prices from Ksh5,125 to Ksh4,950 per tonne effective from August 2024. It is particularly concerning given that the Authority had earlier revised prices from Ksh6,100 to Ksh5,125 per tonne. Those reductions represent a significant setback for sugarcane farmers as the cost of production has not decreased, meaning that farmers are now operating at a loss. Furthermore, there has been no public participation nor stakeholder engagement meetings with the farmers and millers, raising questions about the transparency and inclusivity of the decision-making process. Hon. Temporary Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the following: 1. Report on the factors and indicators that the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) used to determine the new sugarcane prices; 2. Mechanisms in place to ensure that price regulations are made with adequate input from all relevant stakeholders, particularly farmers and millers; 3. Plans to review and potentially reverse this price reduction in light of its negative impact on the livelihoods of farmers; and, 4. Long term strategies to stabilise sugarcane prices and ensure fair compensation to farmers. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}