Prediction-busting maize outlook comes as balm to inflation-weary consumers

SA farmers expect to plant 2.6-million hectares of maize this year, a 5.3% decline compared with the previous year. Picture: 123RF/OTICKI

“Now that we have the plantings data, the discussion is likely to shift to yields,” said Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA. Sihlobo said that in the past 10 years maize yields averaged just more than 5t/ha. The 2014/2015 production season produced one of the lowest yields of 3.75t/ha for maize as this was a drought year.

Out of about 11-million tonnes of maize needed to meet local demand, about 5-million tonnes is for human consumption that is mostly supplied by white maize. The balance is for animal feed, mostly supplied by yellow maize, said Sifiso Ntombela, chief economist of the National Agricultural Marketing Council.

This would help keep price increases for maize meal in check. Maize is an important food staple for many South Africans and its affordability is supported by the country’s self-sufficiency in production.

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