The contribution of estates to sugar production in the Zimbabwe south eastern lowveld: 1970 to 1997
1998
Musikavanhu, F.
Surgacane has been grown in the south eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe for more than sixty years. The purpose of this paper is to review the contribution of estates to sugar production in Zimbabwe. Three large estates, Triangle, Hippo Valley and Mkwasine, have produced 78% of the crop over twenty eight years. Production statistics for the three estates are analysed. A comparison of yields between the 1970's andd 1980's showed no benefit in cutting cane over thirteen months of age. Rainfall distribution during the peak period (December to Februry) is the most critical determinant of yield. Excess or shortage of rain in this period contributed to low performance in eight of the ten least productive seasons from 1970. This is of major concern as the intensity and frequence of El Nino events have increased over the last few decades. The estates' major contribution to the sugar industry has been in expanding the area grown to cane . The area harvested by the estates (in normal seasons) has gone up from 13 000 ha in 1970 to 30 500 ha in 1997. Potential exists for increasing the yield per hectare. A gap exists of 2.6t/ha between the highest sugar yield of 15.6t/ha achieved in 1986 and the twenty eight year average. Initiatives to improve rainfall forecasts, irrigation water supply to existing lands and crop water use efficiency are key success factors into the 21st century.
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