FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - SOUTH AFRICA (22 April)
Prospects for the 2002 main maize crop, to be harvested from May, are favourable. This reflects generally adequate rains since the beginning of the season and an increase of 5 percent in the area planted. Official production forecasts by mid-April point to a maize crop of some 9.0 million tonnes, some 18 percent above last year’s crop of 7.5 million tonnes.
Following large exports of maize in marketing year 2001/2002 (May/April), the supply is tight and prices are at high levels. The country is importing 100 000 tonnes of white maize and about 290 000 tonnes of yellow maize to replenish stocks.