Times Of Swaziland: ... SUGAR PRODUCTION DECLINES

... SUGAR PRODUCTION DECLINES
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Mhlengi Magongo on 24/08/2022 08:23:00


MBABANE – Unfavourable climate conditions, industrial action and civil unrest
caused a drop in cane and sugar production in Eswatini.
This was mentioned by the Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) in its Integrated
Annual Report which indicated that sugar cane depended mainly on natural
resources, hence climate change and extreme weather conditions continued to be
one of the highest risks. The ESA is the regulatory and single marketing body
for the sugar industry in Eswatini, which was established by the Sugar Act of
1967. It is involved in the purchasing and selling of sugar and molasses in
Eswatini and beyond the borders. “During the year under review, a number of
matters materially affected ESA’s capability to create maximum value. These
are not confined to a specific period but have overlapped from previous years
and their effects may carry over into the medium to long-term,” stated the
report. The report stated that the year started on a positive note, with all
water storage dams at full capacity as a result of Cyclone Eloise and
substantial rains.
Pesistant
It further reveals that prolonged cloud cover from the persistent rain in
October 2021, reduced solar radiation and lowered temperatures as compared to
the previous three seasons.
“Radiation and temperatures are the two most important climate factors that
determine sugar cane yield. Low radiation and temperatures curtail cane growth
while high levels promote growth,” the report read in part. “In addition,
the crop was waterlogged for a prolonged time, adversely affecting crop growth
due to reduced oxygen levels and nutrient uptake by the roots.”
To reduce the risk of climate change, the industry has undertaken to adopt
climate-smart practices such as efficient water use, rainwater harvesting and
increased water storage facilities.
The report also stated that the civil unrest saw the burning of some growers’
sugar cane fields, thus reducing cane production. It further lamented that the
prolonged industrial action, which halted operation in one of the local mills,
contributed to the reduction in sugar production. Sugar production went down
from 684 562 tonnes the previous year to 613 894 tonnes in the year under
review.