By Burnett Munthali
The Sugarcane Growers Association of Malawi (SUGAM) has urged its members to maintain discipline and focus during regional demonstrations scheduled for tomorrow. The protests, set to take place in Nkhotakota, Salima, and Chikwawa districts, aim to push for the long-overdue tabling of the Sugar Bill in Parliament.
SUGAM Chairperson Robert Dziweni emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations, stating that security measures have been tightened to prevent any disruptions that might divert attention from their cause. “We want the Sugar Bill tabled during the upcoming budget parliamentary sitting. This is a matter of urgency for sugarcane growers who have been waiting for legal reforms to address their concerns,” he said.
Dziweni further revealed that the government would be given a 14-day grace period to respond to the issues raised during the demonstrations. Should authorities fail to act within the stipulated timeframe, SUGAM members will stage a vigil at Capitol Hill in Lilongwe to press for action.
The Sugar Bill, originally drafted in 2014, remains unimplemented, much to the frustration of sugarcane growers. The proposed legislation is expected to regulate sugar production, pricing, and trade, providing much-needed protection for local farmers against exploitation by large sugar-producing companies. Many growers believe that without a proper legal framework, they will continue to suffer from unfair contracts, low prices, and lack of market access.
Despite the growing pressure from farmers, Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe was not readily available for comment. His response, or lack thereof, will likely influence how the government handles the demands of sugarcane growers in the coming weeks.
As the demonstrations unfold, stakeholders in the sugar industry will be closely monitoring the government’s response. With the livelihoods of thousands of sugarcane farmers at stake, the question remains: will the authorities heed their call, or will the farmers be forced to take further action?
