South Africa forecasts record 17.6 million-tonne maize harvest
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Maverick
Illustrative image · Gilmer Diaz Estela · Pexels · Licence PexelsSouth Africa expects a 17.6 million-tonne maize harvest, against annual needs of about 12 million tonnes. The abundance could keep meat and vegetable prices affordable despite the El Niño-related drought, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber.
South Africa expects a maize harvest of 17.6 million tonnes, described as the highest in its history, as the country enters an El Niño-related drought season. Production would exceed annual needs, estimated at about 12 million tonnes, according to Daily Maverick.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, says producers continue to face rising fertiliser and fuel costs. He also says foot-and-mouth disease has kept cattle farmers out of export markets, while vegetable and meat prices could remain affordable and those of starchy foods rise slightly, according to Daily Maverick.
