10Th tons less in production as locals steal/vandalise Sena sugar cane fields

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

10Th tons less in production as locals steal/vandalise Sena sugar cane fields

2:25 CAT | 21 Jul 2016

O País

People living near the Companhia do Sena Sugar plantations in north Sofala province have stolen sugarcane in an area of more than 100 hectares belonging to the Marromeu based company.

The theft and vandalisation occurred in March and April of this year and is expected to reduce overall sugar production by more than 10 thousand tons.

A drought during this year’s growing season is the most likely reason hundreds of residents have been stealing sugarcane, Companhia do Sena managing director Alain Escat thinks. As a solution, the sugar company, in partnership with the local administration, has cleared several hectares of land and planted various food crops to tackle food insecurity.

The Sena Company expected to produce more than 52,000 tons of sugar this year, but theft from the cane fields will probably lower that figure by as much as 10 tons. Production will however be up on drought-affected 2015.

The company employs over six thousand people in the north of Sofala province and is the driver behind the district’s economy.

Source: O País