The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) of South Africa has projected a 19.3% decline in maize production for the 2023/2024 season compared to the previous year. According to the latest summer crop forecast released on Tuesday, the expected maize harvest for 2024 is estimated at 13.26 million metric tons, a significant drop from the 16.43 million tons harvested in the previous season. This revised forecast marks a decrease from the initial estimate of 14.36 million tons provided on February 28.
The anticipated harvest is anticipated to comprise 6.28 million tons of white maize, primarily for human consumption, and 6.98 million tons of yellow maize, predominantly utilized in animal feed production. The reduction in maize production in South Africa could have implications for domestic food supply chains, livestock feed availability, and export markets, given the country’s status as a key maize producer in the region. Factors contributing to the decreased harvest may include adverse weather conditions, input cost challenges, and other agricultural factors impacting crop yields.
As stakeholders monitor the evolving situation in the agricultural sector, efforts to manage potential impacts on food security, market prices, and trade dynamics will be crucial in navigating the implications of the reduced maize harvest for various stakeholders across the value chain.