According to the South African government’s Crop Estimates Committee (CEC), the country’s farmers are expected to harvest 18.5% less maize in the 2023/2024 season compared to the previous year.
The CEC’s latest summer crop forecast estimates the 2024 maize harvest at 13.39 million metric tons, down from the 16.43 million tons harvested in the previous season. This is a significant decrease compared to the previous estimate on March 26, which put the 2024 maize harvest at 13.26 million tons.
The expected harvest is set to consist of 6.41 million tons of white maize, which is primarily used for human consumption, and 6.98 million tons of yellow maize, which is mainly used in animal feed.
This reduction in maize production is likely to have implications for South Africa’s food security and its ability to meet domestic and export demands. Maize is a staple crop in the country and a key input for the livestock industry.
The lower harvest forecast is attributed to various factors, including weather conditions and other agricultural factors that may have impacted crop yields. The CEC’s latest update provides a revised outlook for the upcoming season, giving farmers, policymakers, and market participants a clearer picture of the expected maize supply in South Africa.
This information will be crucial for decision-making and planning within the agricultural sector, as well as for ensuring adequate food supplies and managing any potential price fluctuations in the maize market.