Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota North, Henry Chimunthu Banda, has expressed optimism that the recently passed Sugarcane and Industry Bill will bring much-needed reforms to the sugar industry.
Chimunthu Banda—who is also a sugarcane grower—described the passing of the bill as a game-changer for the sector.
He added that once President Dr Lazarus Chakwera assents to the bill, and if it is well implemented, sugarcane farmers will finally see improved profits from their hard work.
“This will help to create job opportunities and also highly contribute towards economic growth of the country,” Chimunthu Banda said.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, said the new law establishes a commission to oversee pricing, transportation, and exports, ensuring stability and generating much-needed foreign currency for Malawi.
“For too long, Malawi’s sugarcane sector has operated without a clear regulatory framework, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation, stifling investment, and limiting growth”, Kawale said.
President for the Sugarcane Growers Association of Malawi, Robert Dziweni, said farmers are relieved as the law shall ensure them to earn fair returns for their labour.
“I am optimistic that the bill will improve the welfare of sugarcane growers by involving them in critical decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to a more transparent sugar industry, including fair pricing mechanisms,” Dziweni remarked.
Beyond sugar production, the sugarcane and industry bill contributes to Malawi’s economy through by-products like fertilizers, fuel, cattle feed, and even electricity.
On Wednesday, Parliament passed the Bill which has dragged for over 11 years.
By Smart Chalika
