Story by Fungai Jachi
OUTSTANDING sugarcane farmers were honoured at an awards ceremony held in Hippo Valley this Tuesday, as stakeholders recognised the growing contribution of outgrowers to Zimbabwe’s sugar industry.
The event brought together farmers, industry leaders and government officials to celebrate exceptional performance, encourage higher productivity and promote sustainable farming practices.
Beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme now account for over 40 percent of the sugarcane used in national production, underlining the increasing role of outgrowers in the sector.
For many farmers in the Lowveld, sugarcane production represents both an opportunity and a responsibility, with competition driving improved yields and efficiency.
The awards initiative is aimed at motivating farmers to enhance output while maintaining quality standards across the value chain.
“Firstly, I want to thank President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for giving us a chance as young farmers, and now as we celebrate today, we are challenged to work even harder because we make significant contributions towards the survival of the sugar industry,” said farmer Roy Tsvakwi.
“It is an honour because it is not easy. I am happy, and I hope it serves as a motivation to other women,” said farmer Nyaradzo Kujinga.
“This motivates me to do more because now a bar has been set. This makes us feel important because it shows that we are helping in the growth of the sugar industry,” said farmer Passmore Ruocha.
“It is a huge honour because it shows that we are not wasting the land we were given. We are grateful to the President for having confidence in us, and being honoured shows that we are doing something productive,” added farmer Tawanda Chitete.
Managing Director of Tongaat Hulett Hippo Valley, Mr Tendai Masawi, said outgrowers remain central to the sustainability of the industry.
“Out-growers are a key part in the value chain of sugar production in Zimbabwe and contribute approximately 49 percent of the sugarcane delivered to Hippo Valley Estates and Triangle Mills annually. We are grateful for this partnership, as farmers are part of a sustainable empowerment drive for local communities. The synergy between sugarcane out-growers and Tongaat Hulett is a win-win situation.
However, there is need to promote quality production, increased yield per hectare and sustainable use of agricultural technology within this farming body. To this end, an awards ceremony is held annually as part of encouraging and motivating the current farmers and attracting potential sugarcane farmers among women and youth to embody a culture of agricultural excellence,” he said.
The ceremony comes ahead of a landmark event expected next month, where Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to hand over title deeds to at least 1 000 sugarcane outgrowers in the Lowveld, a move aimed at strengthening land tenure security and boosting agricultural productivity.
