The sugar industry is one of the many influential economic activities in African countries such as Kenya. Nevertheless, it faces numerous problems affecting sugar production, the industry, and even farmers. These problems range from local to international that directly affect the economic stability and growth of the country and regions.
In this article, we will outline some solvable challenges that face the industry.
Yield of sugarcane
The sucrose content affects the quality of sugar produced. Low-yielding sugarcane with low sucrose levels is a loss for the industry as well as the farmers. With the industry suffering financial losses, the farmers lose their customers too.
Both parties prefer high-quality sugarcane as beneficial and sweet enough, even for local raw sugarcane consumption.
Instability
Prices range from country to country and region to region. While price inflation has sound effects, it still has terrible effects. Price instability lives farmers and industries and the mercy of the market flow. One may incur high costs while planting and general production of the sugarcane and sugar but is forced to endure losses due to falling if the price of sugar in the market.
Political barriers
Many regions and continents have rules and policies affecting both locally and internationally. These political barriers may challenge sugar industries wishing to grow their customer base. The farmers may also be subjected to one type of sugarcane breed therefore missing out on better and good breeds.
This factor can be solved by making other breeds readily available on the markets for planting.
Transport and infrastructure
Transport and infrastructure have always influenced economic strategy and growth. Roads and even communication systems need to be improved to ensure the proper delivery of raw materials and products. In an emergency, losses are primarily incurred due to late responses and inadequate infrastructure.
This factor can be curbed by ensuring that all marketplaces have suitable infrastructures.
Cost of production
The sugarcane crusher price in Kenya in the industry and the farm directly influences production. For instance, sugar production requires specific equipment and machinery.
Incentives
The backbone of the sugar industry is the sugarcane farmers. Without them, there is no raw material for the process itself. Low levels of incentives and delayed payments discourage farmers and lower their morale. With intense enthusiasm, the farmers lose interest in tending carefully due to their sugarcane, thus little investment and attention. This, in turn, lowers the quality.
Importation of illegal and unaccustomed sugar
Illegal and unaccustomed sugar usually enters through hidden backdoors escaping the authorities. Sugar can be harmful to human health since it is unchecked. The industries also suffer unfair competition as they are subjected to taxes and tariffs compared to illegal sugar. This also leads to excess sugar in the market, lowering prices.
Competition
While competing is good for growth, unhealthy competition can be harmful. Industries competing may alter the quality of sugar in an aim to lower their price. It introduces unhealthy sugar for consumption in the market. Regulation of the quality of sugar being processed should be a priority so as to maintain high quality.
Conclusion
The challenges facing sugar industries may seem straightforward, while others are complicated. However, they can be solved with coordinated effort and support since they directly affect everyone.
