Maize, rice output to rise by 1.9%

Malawi cereals output—including maize and rice—is projected to increase by 1.9 percent this year however, southern Africa’s total will decline by two percent, indicates a Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) July 2013 report.

FAO estimates that Malawi will produce cereals totalling 3.9 million tonnes—3.8 million course grains and 0.1 million rice—in 2013 up from 3.8 million tonnes in 2012.

The FAO report, however, indicates that production of cereals in southern Africa (excluding South Africa) will fall by two percent, from 31.9 million tonnes to 31.3 million tonnes and remains below average, an indication that Malawi may experience exports to the region.

Production in South Africa is estimated to fall by 5.7 percent from 15.1 million tonnes to 14.3 million tonnes. Zambia’s output is set to fall by nine percent while Zimbabwe’s production will increase by 12.5 percent and Mozambique will rise by 13.8 percent.

Commenting on the food situation and the possibility of illegal cereals’ exports to parts of the region, Ministry of Industry and Trade spokesperson Wiskes Nkombezi in an interview on Wednesday, said government has streamlined export procedures to lure in informal exporters.

“We are working with the police, Malawi Revenue Authority and other stakeholders to cut on illegal exports. Maize exports are banned while rice requires an export licence. The maize export ban will be reviewed once an assessment indicates that the food security situation is satisfactory,” said Nkombezi.

However, Civil Society Agriculture Network (Cisanet) national coordinator, Tamani Nkhono-Mvula in an interview on Wednesday said Malawi needs to build enough reserves for grains to subdue prices during lean periods.

“The export bans are for formal traders, but illegal traders will always find a way of exporting the cereals to neighbouring markets. We therefore, need to build enough reserves to control prices on the market during lean periods,” said Nkhono-Mvula.

The report notes that in Malawi, persistent high food prices continue to erode purchasing power but, economic conditions have shown some stabilisation. It adds that 2013 maize production is estimated at an above average level and is expected to benefit food security conditions.

FAO further indicates that in Zimbabwe, maize production in 2013 is expected to remain stagnant, at below average level, however, despite relatively stable price the production short-falls are anticipated to result in stressed food security conditions.