S Africa’s maize output seen rising 6pc

JOHANNESBURG: South African maize farmers are expected to harvest 6% more of the staple crop in the 2020/2021 season compared with the previous season, boosted by favourable weather conditions and increased plantings, a Reuters survey showed on Tuesday.

South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) is expected to forecast the maize production at 16.289 million tonnes for the 2020/2021 season, up from the 15.300 million tonnes planted last season, an average estimate of five traders and analysts showed.

“Increased area plantings and generally good weather conditions across South Africa have boosted the crop yields,” said Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist Wandile Sihlobo.