Uganda, March 20 -- Sugarcane farmers have stopped supplying sugarcane to mills over low prices.

The chairperson of the Uganda Sugarcane Outgrowers Association, Mr Isa Budhugo, said the decision was informed by the low purchase prices of sugarcane offered by the millers given the high cost of production.

Farmers cite several challenges they face in sugarcane growing, including high labour costs.

"On March 15, we stopped supplying sugarcane. We want millers to increase the prices of sugarcane to Shs200,000 so that we can cover the costs incurred. We need more money because we spend a lot," he said.

Currently, a tonne of sugarcane costs between Shs165, 000 and Shs170, 000 from Shs240,000 late last year.

Mr Budhugo said he invited the m...