Western schools, teachers urged to embrace cane farming for extra income

Learning institutions, and teachers have been urged to embrace cane farming as one way of generating funds to sustain themselves.

The head of external affairs and communication at the Rai group of companies Kabras branch George Muruli while addressing the invest and grow (IG Sacco) members during the West Kabras education day at Friends church Shirugu, encouraged head of institutions and principals to take up cane farming as the sure way of raising enough money to run and manage their schools.

Muruli said the miller (Kabras sugar Mills) formerly known as West Kenya sugar company is ready to partner with learning and training institutions to venture into productive cane farming.

“Kabras sugar mill is ready to engage schools that have extra chunks of land which can be used for cane farming. We are willing to take over all the land preparation process from ploughing, harrowing to provision of farm inputs and later deduct upon harvesting,” he said.

The manager said the move will rescue schools from the ballooning debts due to capitation shrink.

He said with investment in cane farming the schools can apply for advance loans to pay off the debts and also improve on infrastructure besides the government capitation.

He also called on teachers to venture into cane farming either at individual or at group levels.

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“Cane farming at individual levels might be tedious especially when one look at the cost implication, but as a group where teachers can lease out land and contact the miller for the planting process. This is a shared prosperity as well as a shared risk.” He said

On individual farming, he urged teachers to be on the forefront of propagating the benefits of cane farming as they have the platform to do so.

Kabras Sugar, he said recognizes the teaching fraternity as a very noble profession and hence should not be limited within the walls of the classrooms.

“We know you have the power to inform the masses within the communities you come from. Teachers have been known to be the main opinion shapers not only locally but national, your decision counts and with your support and involvement into this practice, many will follow suit,” he added.

He observed that cane farming and education go hand in hand as most parents plant canes to educate their children from primary to university.

“We have been giving out advances to parents who have registered their canes with us. The goodwill has seen many students stay in school and education standards enhanced.” He said

The Kabras IG Sacco director Richard Shilaro supported the call noting that it is important for the members to have an extra source of income as it will keep them away from mental health issues and financial stress.

“Let us embrace the culture of saving. Cane farming is also one way of expanding your savings besides liquid money.” He said

By WAKHUNGU ANDANJE