'Late and Solid Rains' Contribute to Surge in Namibia's White Maize Output
Namibia is expected to produce a whopping 68,865 tonnes of white maize this season, more than 23,000 tonnes up from last season’s 45,050 tonnes of maize, which is the staple diet of most Namibians.
Late and solid rains in all cropping seasons are responsible for the surge after last season’s drought impacted severely on planting. According to the latest preliminary report by the Namibia Agronomic Board, the dry land production areas of the Maize Triangle and environs will contribute 31,011 tonnes of white maize, while the Kavango Region will contribute 21,388 tonnes.
The central and eastdern regions near Summerdown will produce an expected 5,224 tonnes and the Hardap Region will bring 5,923 tonnes to the table. Some 819 tonnes is expected to come from the Omusati Region and environs.
The irrigation areas will make a total contribution of 45,196 tonnes with the Kavango Region leading the way with 20,269 tonnes. Hardap and environs will deliver 5,923 tonnes.
Local Namibian intentions to plant were still slightly lower than previous years, as the local producers were exposed to adverse droughts for the past four years. This had a tremendous effect on the producers’ financial ability to be exposed to such risks again.
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture