Board reassures steady supply of sugar

MOROGORO: THE government has reassured citizens that the sugar shortage in the country is being effectively addressed, with a focus on creating a stable, investment-friendly environment to strengthen the sugar sector.

This assurance was given by the Director General of the Sugar Board, Prof Kenneth Bengesi, during a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Tanzania Society of Sugarcane Technologists (TSSCT) at the National Sugar Institute in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region.

Prof Bengesi said that the sugar industry has made significant progress, particularly during the sixth phase of the government. Many challenges have been resolved through collaboration between the government, private investors and sugar technologists.

Despite disruptions caused by El Niño rains last year, he stated that sugar production and prices have now stabilised nationwide, offering hope to consumers and confidence to investors.

He said that the government’s goal is not only to meet domestic sugar needs but also to produce a surplus for export, thereby, earning foreign currency to support social and economic development. Prof Bengesi noted that sugar production has increased from 295,000 tonnes to 460,000 tonnes over the past seven to eight years.

This growth has been driven by favourable investment conditions, the expansion of sugar factories and plantations and fertiliser subsidies for farmers.

He pointed out that new factories, such as those in Bagamoyo, Mkulazi, Lake Agro (Rufiji), Kasulu and Golden Sugar (Kagera), are at various stages of development and are expected to begin production within the next two to three years.

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He also said that expansions at existing factories like Kilombero and Kagera Sugar will significantly boost production and help address the sugar shortage. TSSCT President, Fihiri Achi, stressed the importance of research and technological innovation in improving sugarcane and sugar production.

He advocated for increased use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among smallholder farmers to enhance productivity.

TSSCT Secretary, Ms Mwanaidi Jaffery, commended the government for its efforts in supporting the growth of the sugar sector and enhancing training for farmers, industry professionals and students through programmes at the National Sugar Institute.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Sophia Kashenge from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), acknowledged the sugar sector’s significant contribution to the national economy and food security.

She stressed the need to bridge research outcomes with practical industrial applications to reduce production costs, improve technology and strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global sugar market.

Dr Kashenge also noted challenges such as climate change and limited technological adoption among smallholder farmers, urging stakeholders to collectively address these issues while promoting more research and innovation to boost sector productivity.