The Ministry of Industry and Commerce plans to establish a new sugar mill at Mkwasine Estates in Chiredzi, aiming to support over 500 A2 sugarcane farmers in the area.
Currently, Mkwasine farmers face high transportation costs and logistical challenges, as they must move their harvested cane approximately 70 kilometers to the nearest mills located at Triangle and Hippo Valley Estates.
According to Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, the new mill is expected to lower transport expenses, reduce crop spoilage, and improve incomes for local farmers. He confirmed that the Ministry has already initiated the tendering process for the project.
The proposed mill is set to ease transportation burdens for Mkwasine farmers while introducing much-needed competition in the sugar milling sector.
Presently, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe dominates the industry, operating the primary mills at Triangle and Hippo Valley. A third mill would help break this monopoly, potentially offering growers better pricing, services, and shorter transport distances.
Elisha Tamirepi, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association, welcomed the development, noting that it would significantly cut transport costs for farmers. He added that cane quality is also likely to improve, as delays in transportation currently lead to deterioration before milling.
