Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Sugarcane farmers in the Lovwled are geared for the 2018 /2019 sugar milling season, which commences this week.

Most cane farmers at Triangle, Mkwasine and Hippo Valley estates are expecting a bumper harvest after the majority replanted their crop.

However, the milling season is opening when the industry is waiting for Government decision on the Division of Proceeds (DOP) issue between the farmers and Tongaat Hulett, which owns the two sugar mills at Triangle and Hippo Valley.

DOP is a scientific ratio used to share sugarcane proceeds between the farmer and the miller. Farmers have been complaining that the current DOP ratio was unsustainable and exposed farmers, who have had to contend with high input costs. Commercial Sugarcane Farmers Association of Zimbabwe chairman Captain Admore Hwarare (Retired) last week said most farmers are anticipating high yields after replanting.

“In the current milling season, we are anticipating a rise in our average cane yields compared to last season as most farmers ploughed out their old sugarcane and replanted,” he said.

“The good prospects have also been enhanced by the availability of adequate irrigation water in our supply dams which will last for over two seasons. We have also been receiving support from Tongaat Hullet Zimbabwe.”

Captain Hwarare (Rtd) said the sticking issue over the DOP ratio threatened to dampen prospects of a good milling season amongst farmers.

“We receive inputs such as fertilisers from Tongaat, but the problem is that they are overcharging the farmer and at the end of the day, it seems the farmer is merely working for Tongaat.

“Inputs should be availed to farmers at affordable prices and interest rates should be lowered for the farmer and Tongaat to have a win-win situation and not the current one where Tongaat is fleecing the farmer,” he said.

“The industry is also waiting for the commencement of engagements with the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development, Dr Mike Bimha, over the issue of the DOP ratio.

“We feel the ratio is eating too much into the farmer’s pocket and that issue needs to be addressed before the start of the 2018/ 2019 milling season.”

Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association chairman Mr Edmore Veterai also weighed in saying farmers were preparing to deliver millions of tonnes of sugar to the mills following a good farming season.