Belize on Track for Lowest Sugar Yield in History

Belize is facing a major blow to one of its key agricultural pillars. The country is on track to record its lowest sugar yield in history, with just 816,000 tons harvested so far, the yield is short of the typical one-million-ton mark. The sharp decline has been linked to the rapid spread of Fusarium, a devastating plant disease that has taken hold across cane fields nationwide. The impact has been widespread, disrupting production and threatening the livelihoods of farmers and millers alike. Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai says the situation is serious and warns that next year could be even worse if urgent measures aren’t taken. 

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture: “This is the first time we’re seeing this type of yield because of a disease. So we’ve seen yields low because of the effects of the weather but the first time we’re being affected by a disease.”

Mai laments the predicament that the country is in, but states that the disease can be eradicated if all stakeholders work together to effectively combat the disease.