The Illovo Sugar Company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with cane growers.
Illovo Malawi Managing Director, Lenald Ngwira, made the remarks on Friday during the Growers’ Open Day at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota District.
Speaking after the event, Ngwira said the day provided an important opportunity for learning and dialogue between growers and the company.
“The purpose of this event was to bring sugarcane growers together with the miller. We were also fortunate to have the Principal Secretary join us to interact with our growers and appreciate their efforts. The theme focuses on building resilience and promoting irrigation,” he said.
Ngwira added that growers around Dwangwa contribute 25 percent of the sugar processed at Illovo Dwangwa Company. He also noted that, as a miller, Illovo celebrates the passing of the Sugar Bill and looks forward to the regulations that will soon follow.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Irrigation, Engineer Geoffrey Mamba, described the event as significant, saying it bridges the gap that exists between millers and growers.
“The sugar industry in Malawi has not been fully optimized,” Mamba said. “It faces challenges from climate change, but it also has great potential to grow the economy. Interactions like this between millers and growers are rare and very valuable.”
He added that the Ministry will soon establish a commission with both regulatory and promotional responsibilities for the sugar industry. Mamba emphasized the government’s commitment to continued engagement with all stakeholders in implementing the Sugar Bill and expressed hope that there will be no bias between millers and growers.
Representing the growers, Robert Seyara, Chairperson of the Lakeshore Cane Growers Association, said the day was crucial for sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities to increase sugarcane production.
Seyara commended Illovo for introducing the Open Day, highlighting the innovative exhibits at the venue, including spraying gadgets, drones, and other modern farming tools.
Apart from knowledge sharing, farmer cooperatives that performed well were recognized and awarded, encouraging
others to improve productivity and farming practices.
Senior Chief Kanyenda urged surrounding communities to safeguard Illovo’s property, noting that the company supports the area through initiatives such as school blocks, fences, and other community projects. He also encouraged farmers to adopt new farming methods instead of relying on traditional practices to boost productivity.
The Growers’ Open Day, held annually since 2024, was this year themed “Increasing Productivity Through Irrigation.”
