By Anthony Chawagarira
MKWASINE – THE El Nino induced drought, which hit the country has not spared the sugarcane farmers thereby posing a significant risk to the sugar content in their crops, it has been learnt.
With the commencement of the sugarcane harvesting season, farmers in the Mkwasine region are concerned about the low sugar content in their crops, attributed to the limited irrigation caused by insufficient rainfall.
The farmers, particularly those relying on the Manjerenje Dam water for irrigation, are reportedly the most affected. Leaders of the Sugarcane Farmers’ Association have drawn attention to the potential impact on this year’s harvest due to these challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association (ZSDA), Erisha Tamirepi, said the scarcity of water for irrigation has resulted in reduced sugarcane growth and, subsequently, fears of low sugar content.
“The low rainfall has limited our ability to provide sufficient irrigation for our sugarcane fields. This poses a significant risk to the sugar content in our crops, ultimately affecting our harvest yields and income,” he said.
The association has called upon relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the issue promptly, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternative irrigation methods and implementing water conservation practices to mitigate the impact of the low rainfall.
The situation has added pressure on the already challenging conditions faced by sugarcane farmers, who rely heavily on favourable weather patterns for a successful harvest. The low sugar content not only affects the farmers’ livelihoods, but also has broader implications for the local economy, as sugarcane is a vital agricultural commodity in the region.
As the harvest season progresses, farmers in Mkwasine and surrounding areas remain hopeful for improved weather conditions and increased access to irrigation resources.
The Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association, along with local agricultural authorities, is working on alternative solutions and providing guidance to affected farmers.
