Regional maize output dips

JOHANNESBURG – Maize production in the 14-member Southern African Development Community fell thisyear, but most countries will avoid food shortages.

“Thanks to improved access to inputs by farmers and also improved rainfall in 2005-06, the overall food security situation for most member states has improved compared to 2005,” said Tomaz Salomao, SADC’s Executive Director. “Despite the 11 per cent overall decrease in maize production from 20,01 million tonnes in 2005 to 17,76 million tonnes in 2006, at least four SADC member states have reported surpluses, while three others have recorded increased production,” he said in a statement.Salomao said some SADC countries had offered farmers subsidised fertiliser and seeds, promoted land reform and scaled up small-scale irrigation programmes, resulting in better farming practices and production.Significantly, Salomao did not say that any SADC members would require food aid in 2006.Nampa-Reuters”Despite the 11 per cent overall decrease in maize production from 20,01 million tonnes in 2005 to 17,76 million tonnes in 2006, at least four SADC member states have reported surpluses, while three others have recorded increased production,” he said in a statement.Salomao said some SADC countries had offered farmers subsidised fertiliser and seeds, promoted land reform and scaled up small-scale irrigation programmes, resulting in better farming practices and production.Significantly, Salomao did not say that any SADC members would require food aid in 2006.Nampa-Reuters