South Africa Faces Sharp Decline in Maize Production

South Africa's maize production dropped by 21.8% in the 2023/2024 season compared to the previous year, according to the Crop Estimates Liaison Committee. The final summer crop estimates show a harvest of 12.85 million metric tons, slightly above the government's estimate but down from the previous season's 16.43 million metric tons.

South Africa's maize production witnessed a notable decrease of 21.8% in the 2023/2024 season compared to the previous year. This was revealed by the Crop Estimates Liaison Committee (CELC) on Thursday. The CELC reported that the final summer crop estimates put the 2024 harvest at 12.85 million metric tons, which is lower than the 16.43 million metric tons recorded the preceding season.

The figures released by the CELC are slightly higher than the government's Crop Estimates Committee's last prediction, which was pegged at 12.72 million metric tons, announced on November 27. Despite the dip, the harvest comprises 6.055 million metric tons of white maize, essential for human consumption, while 6.795 million metric tons consist of yellow maize, primarily for animal feed.

(With inputs from agencies.)