Dar es Salaam: In Manyara, the vision of locally-produced sugar has soured as the region’s sugar factory grinds to a halt, crippled by a severe shortage of sugarcane, reported The Citizen.
Industry and Trade Minister Dr. Ashatu Kijaji’s recent visit to the facility laid bare the stark reality: a once prolific factory, capable of producing over 50 tonnes of sugar daily, now stands silent, a casualty of the dwindling sugarcane supply.
The repercussions of this situation extend far beyond the factory gates. Sugar prices in the region have surged, fluctuating between Sh3,500 and Sh4,000 per kilo. This surge in prices impacts not only consumers but also the factory itself, compelled to suspend operations and witness the unrealized potential within its walls.
While Tanzania’s reliance on imported sugar during the March-June period is a well-documented vulnerability, 2023 offered a glimmer of hope, with only half of the usual 60,000 metric tons imported, suggesting progress toward self-sufficiency. However, this progress is now at risk of stalling without immediate intervention.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Dr. Kijaji issued a rallying cry to farmers in the region, urging them to intensify sugarcane cultivation. Magugu Ward in Babati District, a pivotal sugarcane-growing area, received specific attention, with plans for prioritized well drilling to address water scarcity—a persistent challenge for farmers.
The call for long-term solutions was underscored, with Kijaji urging the factory to devise a comprehensive plan for large-scale water reservoirs. This strategic move aims to liberate farmers from dependence on erratic rainfall patterns. However, the factory management, acknowledging challenges, cited insufficient raw materials and the difficulty in persuading farmers to embrace sugarcane farming. Inadequate infrastructure, requiring the factory to bear the burden of road repairs for cane transportation, further compounds the challenges.
Lazaro Twange, the acting regional commissioner, pledged unwavering support to address these issues and implement government initiatives aimed at boosting sugarcane production in the region. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders are now crucial in revitalizing the local sugar industry and realigning it with the vision of sustainable, locally-driven production.
