TANZANIA -The Tanzania Society of Sugar and Cane Technologists (TSSCT) has raised concerns about the insufficient supply of sugarcane seedlings as a major factor contributing to the country’s low sugar production.
Speaking at the 10th forum of sugar sector experts, TSSCT Executive Secretary Fredrick Charles emphasized the challenge, noting that it compels industrialists to import around 90 percent of seedlings from countries like Mauritius, Malawi, and South Africa.
“Another challenge is the lack of modern machines in local industries,” Mr. Charles stated.
In response to these concerns, the Tanzanian government has set ambitious targets to boost sugar production.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa outlined plans to increase production from the current average of 460,048 tonnes to 706,000 tonnes by the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Majaliwa also highlighted the growing demand for sugar, with projections indicating a need for approximately 807,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 period, underscoring the urgency for increased production.
Despite challenges, the government remains optimistic about the industry’s potential. The Prime Minister urged stakeholders to invest in modern equipment to enhance production efficiency and meet rising demand.
George Gowelle, representing the Sugar Board Tanzania (SBT), provided a glimmer of hope, citing promising results from trials conducted by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) on newly produced seedlings.
He also announced plans to introduce a project aimed at producing sugarcane seedlings in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region, covering a 400-hectare block farm, along with other initiatives to bolster seedling production.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima stressed the importance of research in addressing industry challenges, urging experts to collaborate closely with relevant authorities to find sustainable solutions.
The Tanzanian sugar industry has been grappling with production challenges, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions affecting cane cultivation.
To mitigate the impact, the government has undertaken measures, including granting the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) the authority to import 410,000 tonnes of sugar between January and December 2024, as revealed by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe in a recent parliamentary meeting.
As efforts intensify to revitalize the sugar sector, Bashe sought parliamentary endorsement for a significant budget allocation of Sh1.249 trillion in 2024/25, with proposed amendments to the NFRA’s governing laws through the Finance Act, 2024, to ensure sustained support for industry development.
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