Salima sugarcane farmers strike deal with company
Lingadzi Cooperative has signed an agreement with Salima Sugar Company to supply sugarcane to the company ahead of resumption of production from April 16 2024 after closing in November 2023.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday following the recruitment of 2 500 workers to facilitate smooth operation.
Speaking in an interview, Lingadzi Cooperative chairperson Yohane Msalira said members look forward to better negotiated prices for their sugarcane, which will lead to improved financial prospects and livelihoods.
“With a landholding of around 500 hectares, Lingadzi Cooperative aims to make a significant contribution to Salima Sugar Company’s production activities,” he said.
Senior Chief Khombedza said prioritising local communities will help in bringing sanity in his area and instill a spirit of ownership of the company.
He said: “There was growing tension between surrounding communities and the company because they were not benefitting as they anticipated.”
Greenbelt Authority board chairperson Wester Kosamu said the company has been undergoing reformatory processes after terminating its contract with AUM Sugar and Allied Limited of India.
He said: “We want this company to benefit Malawians unlike in the past. We are changing how the business was run to produce a commodity that will be available across the country
“We anticipate more than 200 small-scale sugarcane farmers under Lingadzi Cooperative will get more profits from their farming.”
Kosamu said they have issued distributorship licences to eligible businesspeople to start distribution of the commodity soon after production commences.
Salima Sugar Company is owned by the Malawi Government through the Greenbelt Authority
