1 week ago
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There is renewed optimism for Belize’s sugar industry as government officials report that the immediate outlook for the sector is improving. Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Osmond Martinez, says the government has already earmarked $14 million Belize dollars to tackle the Fusarium disease that has been affecting cane production in the north. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Martinez explained that the funding forms part of a broader recovery strategy aimed at stabilizing the crop and boosting productivity over the medium term. He noted that with interventions now underway, the industry is projecting measurable gains.
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State, Economic Development: “The cane production and milling will be a little bit better than last year. We are estimating maybe a 10% to 15%. And so it’s looking positive. But on the way forward, it’s looking pretty good as well because through the CRISAP project, which is a finance mechanism from the World Bank, there are 14 million Belize dollars that will be invested more as a preventative measure against the Fusarium and also to address the issues of millibugs across the industry. In addition to that, there is an increase in terms of replanting of seeds where new cane is coming by and retiring the old one which will help us to increase the yield on the years to come. So we are putting a forecast for the next year that should be maybe 10 to 15 percent much better than this year and we are hoping that by 2029 within our strategy or the strategy that we have in place by 2029 we should be around the 1.3 to the 1.5 million tons in the industry. BSI ASR is also exploring the options of new investments to increase the capacity of milling. That has to be a heavy investment which they are willing to make but is also needed. So for now I think what we have the factory capacity and the production is okay, but for the near future, both at the fields to increase yield and investments to increase that yield per acre, and to increase the milling capacity, both investments are being looked at closely.”
Dr. Martinez added that the government is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the investments translate into real gains for farmers and the wider economy. Looking ahead, the minister also highlighted ongoing discussions with mill operators BSI-ASR regarding further capital investments that could expand processing capacity and improve efficiency at the mill. Dr. Martinez further noted that the improved coordination and targeted investments could help calm long-standing tensions in the industry. He said that for years the start of the crop season was often clouded by disputes and threats of industrial action in the north.
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State, Economic Development: “The relationship is excellent with all the actors. The four associations, we have an excellent relationship with the four associations, an excellent relationship with BSI, ASR, and we continue to build and we have frank discussions on a weekly basis and we monitor the daily operation and whatever their hiccups, we address them right away and we address them with any party that has to make improvements. So if improvements are needed at the mill then we speak to BSI ASR. If we need to make improvements to continue to organize and do proper coordination with the harvesting group leaders then we talk to the associations. But I am happy to announce that the relationship is excellent with all the actors.”
Officials say the coming crop season will be closely watched as the sector works toward recovery and expansion.
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