TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF (1 June)
Harvesting of the main season maize crop has begun in uni-modal central and western regions, while in the grain-basket southern highlands, harvesting is expected to start in August. In bi-modal northern areas, rains were favourable for second-season Masika crops planted in March. The rains started early except in most of Mwanza and few other areas. Total maize output in 2005 is expected to be below the previous year’s above average crop of about 2.9 million tonnes.
The overall food supply situation is generally favourable and with increased maize supply to most markets prices are expected to decline further. Lower prices are expected to encourage maize exports to neighbouring countries.