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{
    "id": 664360,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/664360/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 149,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Onyura",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12833,
        "legal_name": "Michael Aringo Onyura",
        "slug": "michael-aringo-onyura"
    },
    "content": "supporting the sugar industry which is currently experiencing a lot of challenges that relate to the cost of production. Right from the time of producing sugar, the cost of inputs and bureaucracy in the sugar industry have discouraged farmers from pursuing sugar farming. If we are not careful, the sugar industry will collapse and it is going to be a big shame if we reach a stage where nearly 100 per cent of sugar used in this country is imported. This Bill will assist. Challenges in the sugar industry are far reaching. The structure of sugar production from payment through to milling is wanting. In my constituency, we have substantial areas that grow sugar and there are complaints all over. Farmers invest their time and resources in sugar and they wait for two to three years to harvest and deliver it but it is discouraging that when they deliver it and they are supposed to be paid, many of them end up with debits instead owing money to the sugar factories. I had a conversation with a sugarcane farmer on what they went through on another farm where they just planted eucalyptus trees. The sugar venture was a misadventure. All these challenges need to be addressed. There are also other challenges in the sugar industry. This is one of the sectors which are full of cartels and barons. That needs to be addressed. Issues of management have also been mentioned by my colleagues here. We need to look into the efficiency, professionalism and the commitment of the managers in the sugar industry."
}