Bumper 2022 maize harvest
Local white maize production witnessed an upward trend following the 2018–2019 drought, with the 2022 marketing season being the most successful, yielding a total of 98 824 tonnes.
This marked an increase of 16 099 tonnes compared to the 2021 harvest season.
“It is with great pride that the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) announces a significant milestone in the agronomic sector as Namibia achieves its highest-ever white maize production harvest. White maize holds a prominent position among the essential grain crops cultivated within Namibia, serving primarily for human consumption,” NAB said.
“The good harvest experienced in 2022 is mainly attributed to the increased number of local producers and an increase in hectares planted for crop production.”
According to the NAB, last year saw just over 1 000 local producers register for white maize, with a total of 32 127 hectares planted.
Cultivation data
NAB reported that during the marketing season between 9 May and 3 December 2022, the more than 98 000 tonnes of white maize sold to local millers amounted to N$622 million, compared to the previous marketing season, where 82 725 tonnes were marketed.
The total demand for white maize during this period was 191 029 tonnes, with 52% produced domestically and 49% imported, primarily from South Africa.
“The total white maize production was therefore allocated to millers according to their market share in terms of grain demand.”
Staple crop
The cultivation of white maize spans diverse production zones, encompassing Zambezi, Kavango, the north central (Etunda), Karst (Maize Triangle), central (Summerdown and Hochfeld), and the south (Hardap).
A total of 46% of crops were cultivated using rain-fed methods, while 54% were produced under irrigation.
During the marketing season, NAB oversees the production and local demand for white maize, facilitating the marketing of local grains by restricting the importation of white maize until all stock is acquired by locally registered millers.
Karst emerged as the leading production zone, contributing the highest tonnage produced at 47%. The second-highest production zone was the central zone, accounting for 24%, while the north central zone recorded the lowest tonnage production at 1%.
Additionally, the 2022 marketing season witnessed a significant increase in wheat production, marking an impressive 13% growth.
This marked an increase of 16 099 tonnes compared to the 2021 harvest season.
“It is with great pride that the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) announces a significant milestone in the agronomic sector as Namibia achieves its highest-ever white maize production harvest. White maize holds a prominent position among the essential grain crops cultivated within Namibia, serving primarily for human consumption,” NAB said.
“The good harvest experienced in 2022 is mainly attributed to the increased number of local producers and an increase in hectares planted for crop production.”
According to the NAB, last year saw just over 1 000 local producers register for white maize, with a total of 32 127 hectares planted.
Cultivation data
NAB reported that during the marketing season between 9 May and 3 December 2022, the more than 98 000 tonnes of white maize sold to local millers amounted to N$622 million, compared to the previous marketing season, where 82 725 tonnes were marketed.
The total demand for white maize during this period was 191 029 tonnes, with 52% produced domestically and 49% imported, primarily from South Africa.
“The total white maize production was therefore allocated to millers according to their market share in terms of grain demand.”
Staple crop
The cultivation of white maize spans diverse production zones, encompassing Zambezi, Kavango, the north central (Etunda), Karst (Maize Triangle), central (Summerdown and Hochfeld), and the south (Hardap).
A total of 46% of crops were cultivated using rain-fed methods, while 54% were produced under irrigation.
During the marketing season, NAB oversees the production and local demand for white maize, facilitating the marketing of local grains by restricting the importation of white maize until all stock is acquired by locally registered millers.
Karst emerged as the leading production zone, contributing the highest tonnage produced at 47%. The second-highest production zone was the central zone, accounting for 24%, while the north central zone recorded the lowest tonnage production at 1%.
Additionally, the 2022 marketing season witnessed a significant increase in wheat production, marking an impressive 13% growth.
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