The expected area planted to maize for the 2008/09 season is estimated to drop by 8,5% or 237 000ha less than the 2,8 million hectares planted last season. This is according to a recent Crop Estimates Committee report. The total area planted for this past season is estimated at 2,5 million hectares.
The figures show that producers intend to plant 1,6 million hectares to white maize, which is 137 000ha or 7,9% less than the previous season. The estimated planting for yellow maize is at 962 000ha, 100 000ha less than the previous season.
The main reasons for the decreased plantings are availability of credit and the cost of finance, higher input costs and current lower international maize prices.
Sunflower plantings are estimated to increase by 3,9%, compared to the previous season. The planting of soya beans, groundnuts, sorghum and dry beans should increase by 37,5%, 6,1%, 9,3% and 23,3% respectively. – Peter Mashala
