Story by Gay Matambo
PUBLIC-Private Partnerships (PPPs)are paying off in the Lowveld, with the private sector now providing farmers with essential inputs in preparation for the 2025/26 sugarcane harvesting season.
Two new players are supporting sugarcane production in the region, heeding the government’s call for PPPs to promote productivity and national development.
“Tongaat was now overwhelmed with supplying us fuel and inputs. We would go with our requisitions for fertilizers, and sometimes we would wait for two to four weeks before we get the inputs. We believe that this partnership will bring some sort of competition. Meaning that if one fails to get inputs from Tongaat, you can always come here and get your inputs on user-friendly terms,” an out-grower said.
“Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe was facing challenges in adequately availing inputs to the farmers. As you know, the sugarcane crop needs fertilizers and herbicides on time so that the farmers get good yields. We welcome this programme with open hands and this will boost productivity,” another noted.
The partnership has since bolstered stakeholders’ optimism on the upcoming harvesting season as it addresses vital production nuggets that include financing and farmer support.
“We promise to work hard and dedicate ourselves to the venture. The bread basket of Africa does not need to be a memory, it is our mission, and in your hands, we will make it our reality,” NOVA Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Maxine Maparura said.
“Yes, farmers were getting practical and theoretical knowledge on sugarcane farming, but they needed the inputs on time for them to practically apply what they were being taught. With the help of NOVA, we are going to see progress. They have already started supplying inputs to ensure that the farmers become productive. Farmers are given thirty days or more to pay, given the arrangement that is there, and this aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” Sunrise Greenbelt Investments’ Managing Director, Mr Admore Hwarare noted.
Addressing stakeholders during the launch of the programme this Tuesday, the Director for Economic Affairs in Masvingo Province, Mr Clever Chingwara said the government-private sector initiative demonstrates a strategic commitment to agricultural productivity and food security in the country.
“We welcome these partners to the Lowveld and the sugarcane industry. Your willingness to take on this challenging role previously held by Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe for over 35 years is commendable. The inputs will ensure that our nation continues to meet its sugar production quotas,” he said.
The partnership comes at a time when the area under sugarcane has increased over the last five years, with new land being opened to accommodate new out-grower farmers.
