E-Malt.com News article: Kenya: East African Breweries guarantees market for sorghum

East African Breweries is promising sorghum farmers in Eastern province a ready market for the grain in its search for alternatives to barley as the main raw material, All Africa communicated on September, 14.

The brewer has made a commitment to buy sorghum grown in the area, assuring farmers of a dedicated stream of income.

EABL buys sorghum from specific areas of Eastern Province following its decision to use the crop as the main raw material for some of its brands like the low-priced Senator drink.

Farmers acting as out growers are supported by the Equity Bank to purchase inputs including the right sorghum seeds and fertilizers while EABL guarantees the market.

"Farmers should take advantage of these opportunities to increase their earnings from the crop output," said Vice-President Mr Kalonzo Musyoka.

Equity Bank announced that will now receive payments for sorghum deliveries its M-Kesho account, and those servicing loans from the Bank will pay them through the same channel.

"Equity Bank has given Sh10 million for seeds. Let's plant as much as we can since we have a ready market," the Vice President said.

Currently, EABL buys gadam sorghum, a drought resistant variety, directly from farmers' through its appointed purchasing agent.

Over 1,500 tonnes of the crop have been planted in Mwingi district alone by 6,000 farmers.

An acre of gadam Sorghum, used in the brewing of beer and animal feed, produces 600 kilos translating into Sh10,200 per acre.

Experts say farmers can realize up to 1000 kilos per acre with improved agricultural practices.



15 September, 2010