BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Sugarcane growers in Mhlume have called for stronger support in addressing rising production costs, labour shortages and cane returns as they work to sustain productivity and profitability in the sugar industry.
The concerns were raised during the Eswatini Cane Growers Association (ECGA) Mhlume Planters Group Feedback Meeting held at Hambanathi Hall, where growers engaged industry stakeholders on measures to strengthen farming operations and improve the sustainability of sugarcane production.
ECGA Chief Executive Officer Dr Sipho Nkambule presented the Association’s August report and reaffirmed its vision of building a diversified, profitable and sustainable sugarcane industry. The engagement provided growers with an opportunity to raise operational challenges while identifying areas that could support improved farm performance.
Labour availability emerged as one of the key issues, with growers highlighting difficulties in securing workers for agricultural activities. They also called for more efficient work-permit processes to facilitate access to foreign agricultural labour where necessary.
The meeting also placed production costs and cane returns on the table, with growers seeking solutions that can help farms remain productive and financially viable amid increasing operational pressures.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Sugar Association representative Nkululeko Dlamini addressed growers on the possible return of El Niño and the implications for sugarcane production. He outlined risks associated with the weather phenomenon while noting that, with appropriate preparation and management, favourable conditions could also create opportunities for improved sugar quality and productivity.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between growers and industry stakeholders in preparing the sector for emerging challenges while identifying opportunities to strengthen Eswatini’s sugarcane industry.
#EswatiniAgriculture #SugarcaneIndustry #ECGA #MhlumeGrowers #Agribusiness
