Morogoro, Tanzania: The government has reassured Tanzanian citizens that the recent sugar shortage is being effectively managed, emphasizing its commitment to creating a stable and investment-friendly environment to fortify the nation’s sugar sector, reports Daily News.
This assurance came from Professor Kenneth Bengesi, Director General of the Sugar Board, during a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Tanzania Society of Sugarcane Technologists (TSSCT) at the National Sugar Institute in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region.
Professor Bengesi said the sugar industry has made significant strides, especially during the current administration. He noted that many challenges had been tackled through collaboration between the government, private investors, and sugar industry experts.
“Despite the disruptions caused by El Niño rains last year, sugar production and prices have now stabilised across the country. This offers hope to consumers and builds confidence among investors,” he said.
Bengesi highlighted the government’s broader goal of not only meeting domestic sugar demand but also producing a surplus for export, boosting foreign currency earnings to support social and economic development. He pointed out that sugar production has risen from 295,000 tonnes to 460,000 tonnes over the past seven to eight years.
He attributed this growth to a combination of factors, including favourable investment conditions, expansion of sugar factories and plantations, and fertiliser subsidies provided to farmers.
Bengesi also said that new sugar factories under development in Bagamoyo, Mkulazi, Lake Agro (Rufiji), Kasulu, and Golden Sugar (Kagera) are expected to begin production within the next two to three years. In addition, expansions at existing factories such as Kilombero and Kagera Sugar are expected to significantly boost output and help eliminate shortages.
At the forum, TSSCT President Fihiri Achi emphasised the importance of research and technological innovation in advancing sugarcane and sugar production. He called for greater use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among smallholder farmers to improve productivity.
TSSCT Secretary, Mwanaidi Jaffery, praised the government’s initiatives to grow the sugar sector and enhance training for farmers, industry professionals, and students through programs at the National Sugar Institute.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Sophia Kashenge from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) acknowledged the sugar industry’s vital contribution to the national economy and food security.
She highlighted the need to link research findings more closely with industrial practices to cut production costs, improve technology, and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global sugar market. Dr Kashenge also pointed out challenges such as climate change and limited technological adoption among smallholder farmers, urging stakeholders to work together to address these issues and drive more innovation across the sector.
