South Africa Braces for Lower Maize Harvest in 2024

South African maize production is projected to drop by 22.6% in the 2023/2024 season, according to the Crop Estimates Committee. The expected harvest is 12.72 million metric tons, down from 16.43 million in the previous season, comprising white and yellow maize for different uses.

The South African maize harvest for the 2023/2024 season is predicted to see a significant reduction of 22.6% compared to the last season, as announced by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) on Tuesday.

The CEC's ninth forecast for the summer crop pegs the 2024 maize harvest at 12.72 million metric tons, a decrease from the 16.43 million tons reaped previously. This is slightly down from an earlier estimate of 12.80 million tons made on September 26.

The anticipated harvest is expected to include 6 million tons of white maize, destined for human consumption, and 6.72 million tons of yellow maize, predominantly used in animal feed.

(With inputs from agencies.)