Zimbabwe has the most expensive sugar in Africa. Here is why.

The next issue is on international agreements. It is important to acknowledge that the Zimbabwean sugar industry itself is an exporter. In the context of International Trade Agreement and our commitment to open markets, we cannot outright prohibit sugar imports since we are also exporting. We must therefore strike a balance between protecting our local industry and fulfilling our international obligations. Mr. Speaker, let me end this response with the measures on enhancing competitiveness and addressing monopolistic tendencies. Indeed, we are very much alive to the fact that the industry is a monopoly miller, that Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe operates two mills, Hippo Valley Estates and Triangle Sugar Estates.

We also recognise the long-term survival of the sugar industry, which depends on its ability to compete effectively in the global market. To this end, the Government is in the process of attracting and supporting new applicants in the industry to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, promoting fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices. I wish to add that we are now collaborating quite actively with the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement. Mr. Speaker Sir, the medium and long-term growth of this sector lies in our ability to increase productivity in the sugarcane farming levels. On average, the yield should range between 130 and 170 metric tonnes per hectare of sugarcane. Yet, the average yield as of now is sitting at around 40 metric tonnes per hectare. This is at the core of why our sugar is not competitive, which limits our ability to export in large quantities.

To address this challenge, two critical interventions have taken place. The first one is that the Government has designated sugarcane as a strategic crop.

Secondly, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, has co-assigned the administration of the Sugar Production Control Act with the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, so that they focus on the agronomy side of the sector to increase productivity by farmers. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.

HON. MAKUMIRE: Supplementary.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Yes, a quick response please.

HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. This question came about because we were facing a lot of challenges which were addressed by the Minister that led to the retrenchment of close to 1 000 workers. I would like to hear the plans in place to assist the company going forward. I thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Minister, how do we resolve the issue?

HON. M. NDLOVU: Mr. Speaker, I am not too sure if I understood the question.

THE HON. SPEAKER: The question is, the current producers are not failing to meet the requirements. What alternatives are there?

HON. M. NDLOVU: Mr. Speaker, if maybe he may clarify, I am not following quite clearly the requirements that you spoke of.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you repeat your question?

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