Government has set the minimum purchase price of sugar cane supplied by private growers to millers at US$72.40 per tonne.
The provisions are contained in the Sugar Production Control (Notification of Sugar Cane Purchase Price) Regulations, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in terms of sections 10 and 18 of the Sugar Production Control Act [Chapter 18:19].
In a statement, yesterday, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said the regulations followed consultations with the Minister responsible for Agriculture and the Zimbabwe Sugar Association, reflecting the need for coordinated oversight of the sugar industry.
“This measure establishes a uniform purchase price of US$72.40 per tonne for sugar cane delivered by private growers to millers. It provides a clear pricing framework and ensures that growers have certainty regarding the value of their produce,” said the Ministry.
The regulations further stipulate that millers must pay growers for cane delivered during a particular month on or before the eighth day of the following month, unless both parties agree otherwise in writing.
The Ministry said the payment provision was intended to establish clear timelines for settling transactions and strengthen accountability between growers and millers.
“Timely payment is an important aspect of maintaining confidence and stability within the sugar value chain. The prescribed payment period provides a defined timeframe within which growers can expect to receive payment for cane supplied to millers,” the Ministry said.
The regulations also provide for penalties against individuals or entities that contravene the provisions, with offenders liable to a fine not exceeding level five, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Where a corporate body commits an offence, directors, managers or principal officers who knowingly participated in the violation may also be held personally liable.
