- Hippo Valley Estates granted 99-year leases in Zimbabwe's Lowveld
- Leases will empower new farmers and expand sugarcane production
- Hippo Valley remains committed to sustainability and innovation despite challenges
Harare-Hippo Valley Estates Limited, a leading sugarcane producer in Zimbabwe's Lowveld, has been granted 99-year leases for several blocks of land, reaffirming the company's position as a major player in the country's sugarcane industry.
The leases cover a total of 23,979 hectares, with five blocks of 3,804 hectares already granted and the remaining three blocks, totaling 20,175 hectares, to be issued in due course. These leases will be used to empower new farmers in the region, as part of Hippo Valley's ongoing efforts to expand sugarcane production and meet increasing local demand.
In a statement, Hippo Valley said, "Encouraging assurances have been received from the ministry that the remaining leases will be issued in due course and that recommended changes to the wording of the lease documents are being finalized by the Attorney General’s Office."
Apart from cultivating new land, Hippo Valley is also working with the government and financial institutions to implement Project Kilimanjaro, a 4,000-hectare sugarcane development aimed at increasing sugar output to meet growing local demand and export surplus.
The company has completed planting on the 700 hectares of land allocated under the Kilimanjaro sugarcane project to empower new farmers in the Lowveld. "An additional 138ha was planted to complete the 700ha Kilimanjaro empowerment block. The Government in liaison with THZ, has set up the Project Kilimanjaro Joint Steering Committee to oversee the development of the balance of the 3 300ha, for the benefit of new farmers being identified by the Government," said Hippo Valley.
Despite challenges such as wet weather and competition from low-cost imports, the company remains committed to its mission of increasing sugar output and empowering new farmers. During the financial year under review, cane deliveries from the company’s own plantations were 13 percent above the prior year, driven by a 6 percent improvement in yields. The off-crop maintenance program, including repositioning the mill for improved efficiencies, was successfully completed, and the mill commenced crushing for the 2023/24 season in April 2023 as planned.
With its dedication to sustainability and innovation, Hippo Valley is poised to remain a driving force in Zimbabwe's sugarcane industry for years to come.
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