By Burnett Munthali

Sugarcane farmers in Malawi, under the Sugarcane Growers Association of Malawi (SGAM), have begun protests in Chikwawa District as they demand that the government establish laws regulating the sugar industry. The demonstrations, which started at a junction leading to PressCane Limited, a major ethanol production company, are aimed at pressuring authorities to address their concerns regarding sugar pricing and market regulations.

The protesting farmers are marching towards the District Commissioner’s Office in Chikwawa, where they intend to deliver a petition outlining their grievances. The farmers, mainly from Chikwawa and Nsanje, argue that the lack of proper sugar industry regulations has left them vulnerable to exploitation by major sugar processing companies.

According to SGAM, sugarcane farmers continue to face low prices for their produce, delayed payments, and unfavorable contracts with sugar manufacturers. They are demanding fair pricing policies, timely payments, and government intervention to ensure that they receive just compensation for their hard work.

A representative of the protesting farmers stated, “We work tirelessly to produce high-quality sugarcane, but we are not benefiting from our labor. We are forced to sell our sugarcane at low prices, while sugar prices in the market remain high. We need the government to intervene and set laws that protect farmers.”

The protests have attracted significant participation, with large numbers of farmers joining the demonstrations. The movement is expected to gain momentum as more farmers in southern Malawi rally behind the call for sugar industry reforms.

SGAM has warned that if the government does not act swiftly, they will continue with demonstrations and explore further measures to demand their rights. Meanwhile, the government is yet to issue an official response regarding the farmers’ petition and their call for regulatory reforms in the sugar sector.

The ongoing protests reflect broader concerns about agriculture policies in Malawi, where farmers in various sectors have long called for better market regulations, fair trade practices, and improved pricing mechanisms. If the government addresses these concerns effectively, it could lead to positive reforms in the sugar industry and improved livelihoods for sugarcane farmers across the country.