Mounting challenges sour sugar production

ZIMBABWE’s sugar cane sector faces mounting pressure from irrigation bottlenecks, rising input costs and unreliable transport, threatening the viability of growers despite government policy in pushing for expanded planting over the next marketing year.

In November 2025, the government unveiled a strategic plan aimed at increasing the area under sugar cane cultivation. However, industry observers warn that without corresponding investment in irrigation infrastructure, stable electricity supply and an efficient bulk transport system, the sector’s underlying economics will remain under pressure.

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