adminElton Manguwo
KILIMANJARO Project recently confirmed the completion of the first 700 hectares Kilimanjaro Empowerment Block following the planting of an additional 138ha of sugarcane under the Government-Hippo Valley Estates partnership.
This came out in a financial statement for the year ended March 2023 with the company chairman Mr Canaan Dube saying the planting of the 138ha of cane marked the completion of the first phase of the initiative.
“The company continues to work with the Government and various financial institutions to support the implementation of the 4 000ha Project Kilimanjaro sugarcane scheme,” said Mr Dube.
The Kilimanjaro scheme will be developed and managed by the company on a full cost recovery basis for the sole benefit of new farmers to be allocated plots by Government.
The Government is set to allocate 3 300ha of land to new farmers in a move designed to empower them while encouraging private sector and farmer partnerships.
“Hippo Valley Estates has set up the Project Kilimanjaro joint steering committee to oversee the development of the 3 300ha for allocation to new farmers identified by the Government,” said Mr Dube.
The project is set to empower local farmers as the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development aims at growing small-scale farmers into commercial farming space.
“The Kilimanjaro project will develop virgin land for plantations as part of the firm’s drive to increase sugar output in the country while empowering indigenous out grower farmers throughout the country,” said Mr Dube.
The initiative comes at a time the Government is pushing for the adoption of a business approach by the agriculture sector through public and private sector partnerships.
In addition, Hippo Valley Estates has been making engagements with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development regarding issuance of 99-year leases.
“A total of five leases amounting to 3 804ha in Hippo Valley North have so far been issued, with the balance of three lease blocks amounting to 20 175ha still to be issued,” said Mr Dube.
The sugar processing giant continues to make significant strides in maintaining its market through strategic partnerships with private farmers.
Government and the company are making efforts towards facilitating the involvement of local farmers in the sugar cane value chain to stimulate socio-economic growth.
Mr Dube added: “We are assisting new farmers with commercial feasibility studies, capital mobilisation and land development on a full cost recovery basis.”
Online Reporter