EL NIÑO-INDUCED DROUGHT HITS SOUTHERN AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

EL NIÑO-INDUCED DROUGHT HITS SOUTHERN AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

EL NIÑO-INDUCED DROUGHT HITS SOUTHERN AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe recently published reports indicating a potential decline in grain harvest because of intense El Niño-induced dryness, according to the agricultural view from AgBiz.

In South Africa, a recent farmers’ survey by Grain South Africa showed severe grain and oilseed production challenges in various patches across the country, which have probably worsened in the past week since the survey was completed on February 21.

The Crop Estimates Committee also fears the possible decline in the summer grains and oilseed harvest. In its first production estimate for the 2023/24 season, the Committee placed the summer grains and oilseed harvest at 17,4 million tonnes, down 13% year-on-year. This is primarily a function of lower expected yields rather than an area reduction. This is an overall production figure, and the decline varies crop by crop.

Still, a positive aspect of South Africa is that the expected harvest still covers the domestic consumption, leaving some volume for exports, albeit significantly down from the previous seasons.

Source : AgBiz