FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - SOUTH AFRICA (4 June)
Harvesting of the 2002 coarse grains is underway. Latest official forecasts of the main maize crop have been revised upwards to about 9 million tonnes, an increase of 20 percent on last year’s reduced level. This is the result of an increase of 4 percent in the area planted and generally favourable weather conditions in the main growing areas. Sorghum is forecast at 192 000 tonnes, 9 percent higher than in 2001 despite a decline of 15 percent in the area planted.
Reflecting low levels of carry-over stocks following large exports of maize in marketing year 2001/02 (May/April), and increased import demand from neighbouring countries, domestic prices of maize remain high. The country is importing white maize from USA and Argentina to replenish stocks.