SUGAR CANE SUPPLY
The total sugarcane supplied to the factory over the two growing seasons during the financial year was 3.191 million tonnes, reflecting a 10% decrease from August 2024 (3.544 million tonnes). The decline in tonnage was primarily attributed to the residual effects of the severe drought experienced in the 2023/24 sea=son, especially early in the growing period. However, the total supply exceeded its target of 3.113 million tonnes by 2.4%, indicating strong agronomic performance and operational efficiencies.
Of the total sugarcane supplied, own estate operations contributed 1.591 million tonnes (August 2024: 1.824 million tonnes), while other growers supplied 1.600 million tonnes (August 2024: 1.720 million tonnes), representing 49.9% and 50.1% of total deliveries, respectively.
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SUGAR CANE QUALITY
The sucrose (Pol) content for the financial year under review was 14.09%, which was marginally below the forecast of 14.19% due to wet weather conditions at the start of the harvest season that adversely impacted natural cane ripening, and below the 14.38% recorded in August 2024. Nonetheless, this decline was offset by higher yields.
IRRIGATION
During the year under review, the water levels of the Kafue River, which is the primary irrigation water source at the Nakambala intake point, were generally below the long-term mean (LTM) of 976.92 m by an average of 1.32 m for the year, but slightly above the previous year’s level.
The irrigation water year-to-date supply exceeded demand at 102% of the budgeted requirement and experienced minimal interruptions despite national load-shedding challenges, thanks to secured premium power from ZESCO, along with improved pump availability and infrastructure enhancements.
The full year’s controllable pump Lost Time Incidents (LTI) closed at 1.6%, well below the target of 4%. Major capital projects, including pump replacements, fire system upgrades, and the desilting of Dam 9 and Dam 50, further strengthened irrigation capacity and asset reliability.
CROP PERFORMANCE
The sugarcane crop across Nakambala estate demonstrated robust growth and good health during the year. Own estate yields improved significantly to 129 tonnes per hectare (August 2024: 114 tonnes per hectare), while growers achieved 120 tonnes per hectare (August 2024: 124 tonnes per hectare).
The improved own cane yield was driven by high-performing autumn-replanted fields, which averaged 163 tonnes per hectare, exceeding the estimate of 160 tonnes per hectare. The conversion of furrow irrigation systems to drip irrigation and the implementation of Synergistic Short Furrow Irrigation and Drainage (SSID) systems further boosted yields, with replanted fields averaging 185 tonnes per hectare.
Although early-season rains and higher-than-average temperatures promoted crop growth, they adversely impacted cane quality. The business achieved its planting target of 1,718 hectares for the season, with an additional 21 hectares planned for planting in the new financial year.
Pest and disease levels remained under control, with Yellow Sugarcane Aphid (YSA) and smut infections below economic thresholds, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventative measures.
SECURITY RISK
However, theft of sugarcane and irrigation infrastructure increased during the period under review. In response, enhanced security measures were introduced, including increased drone surveillance in high-risk areas and temporary guarding of vulnerable Centre Pivot installations. The business has also engaged the Municipal Council and the community to collaborate on mitigating the issue.
IN-BOUND LOGISTICS
Phase One of the sugarcane haulage system platform, which includes an ‘automated weighbridge calling system’ known as ‘Cane Logistics Management System’ (CLM), was successfully installed and became operational. Phase Two, involving the introduction of electronic consignment notes, is scheduled to be implemented in the 2026 financial year (beginning April 2026).
SMALLHOLDER GROWER DEVELOPMENT
During the period, Mazabuka Sugarcane Growers Trust (MSCGT) provided support to the Manyonyo smallholders through the Manyonyo Irrigation business (MIC) resulting in 63 hectares being planted, with a further 21 hectares to be fallowed and planted with a green manure crop of sun hemp in readiness for sugarcane planting in April 2026. An additional 24 hectares of virgin land will be planted at the start of the 2026 season.
To facilitate a scoping exercise of a potential expansion area in Mazabuka, an external consultant was engaged to evaluate smallholder community land in Mwanachingwala, Manyonyo and, Mazabuka. The business remains committed to phased implementation of viable projects following the review of the evaluation report.
