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CYCLONE TO AFFECT 2021/ 22 SUGAR CANE HARVEST

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MBABANE – Destruction as a result of heavy hailstorms and Tropical Cyclone Eloise negatively impacted the sugar cane crop to be harvested in the 2021/22 season.

As a result of the cyclone which hit the country early this year, major rivers were flooded; two people drowned and nearly 1 500 people were affected across all four regions of Eswatini. Water supply systems were also damaged, affecting sources of potable water in Mbabane, Lobamba and Siteki. Mudslides/landslides were reported in Mncitsini, Manzana, Mangwaneni, Mpolonjeni and other locations. According to Eswatini Sugar Association’s (ESA) 2020/21 integrated annual report, the industry continues to put in place adaptation and mitigation measures, including lobbying for additional water storage dams. “Despite the devastating effects of Cyclone Eloise, there were positive impacts such as increased availability of water for irrigation for the 2021/22 season,” highlighted the report.

Another challenge highlighted in the report is the cost pressures.  The continued cost in energy, fuel and other inputs have put a significant strain on the growing of sugar cane and the production of sugar. “Is is, therefore, imperative to implement new cost-saving measures to ensure the viability and sustainability of the Eswatini sugar industry, particularly the smallholder growers. ‘Some initiatives are already, which include the exploration of alternative energy sources (that is solar energy) and the bulk procurement of inputs, namely agro-chemicals including fertiliser, pesticides and chemical ripeners,” shared ESA. This past week this publication reported that there was a slight increase in cane and sugar production.  The mills managed to crush about 5.76 million tonnes of cane, which was 1.2 per cent than the previous season.

Even though sales volumes decreased, ESA reported that group revenue shot up to over E6.1 billion. Sugar is the country’s main export commodity and Eswatini is the fourth largest sugar producer in Africa and the 25th largest producer in the world. Sugar production accounts for over half of the country’s agricultural output and contributes about E4 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

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