- 223 thousand Metric tones of Maize deficit including other cash crops
- Animal husbandry registered an increase
- Government playdown hunger fears
The Malawi crop estimates for the 2014/2015 season are worrisome as the Agriculture Production Estimates Survey (APES 2014/2015) reveal a decrease in almost every crop grown in the country.
Ministry of Agriculture survey indicates that maize production decreased from 3.978 million metric tons realized in 2013/2014 agricultural season to 2.776 million metric tons in the current agricultural season representing 30.2 percent decline in production.
The new figure is a bit lower from the second round where the Ministry estimated maize production at 2.876 million metric tons.
However, Government maintains that the results should not scare people as mitigation measures are in place to ensure that no one die of hunger this year.
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Honorable Allan Chiyembekeza said during the news conference that based on the national maize requirement, now the actual national maize deficit for the country is 223,723 metric tons.
“The just ended season was not favorable for agriculture for two reasons; we had very heavy rains which unfortunately started late and resulted in serious flooding, and if that was not enough, barely a month or later we had a very dry spell” said Chiyembeka when presenting the final crop estimates in Lilongwe.
“Because of that definitely our harvest for this past year hasn’t been that good and that’s why the results have registered a reduction in yield of almost all the crops we grow in this country” he said
Malawi’s maize requirement based on the population projection and industrial use for the year is at about 3 million metric tons. National maize requirement, 2.563 million metric tons is for food use only while the rest is required for seed, feed and industrial use; and replenishment of the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Thought this year’s crop production seem to be bad news for the nation, Hon. Chiyembekeza has assured that there is no need for panic
“But I know that we also eat other food crops. If we diversify our meals to other food crops, there will be less impact of hunger in the country.” Said Chiyembekeza
The Minister further indicated that the third round Agriculture Production Estimates Survey (APES 2014/2015) results also show that production of other major food crops such as rice, millet, cassava and sorghum is down. However, potatoes and sweet potatoes have increased by 4.1% and 2.7%, respectively.
Some cash crops have registered decreases including cotton which is down by 40.1% while groundnuts production is down by 25.4%.
In terms of livestock, Chiyembekeza said, the population of cattle has increased from 1.316 million to 1.398 million representing 6.1 percent increase as compared to the final round for the 2013/2014 agricultural season.
Mitigation Measures to Counteract Food Deficit
The agriculture minister has assured that Government through the Ministry had put in place several mitigation measures to offset anticipated food deficits.
Honorable Allan Chiyembekeza said with funding from the World Bank Multi-Donor Trust Fund amounting to about MK401 Million (US$900,000) implemented the Cassava and Sweet Potato Production Program as a response to the floods and dry spells. The area planted with cassava and sweet potato totals about 5,000 ha.
Chiyembekeza said, 500,000 Metric tons of maize harvest is expect from winter cropping following the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers for irrigation farming by Ministry and number of Development Partners, NGOs, and private sector.
He further mentioned that Government is expected to buy about 115,000 metric tons of maize from MK15 billion that was allocated in the national budget for procuring maize to meet food need of the population.
Chiyembekeza then said that National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) will procure maize using as platforms the Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE) and the Auction Holdings Commodity Exchange (AHCX). NFRA has since started holding auctions on the platforms but contracts are yet to be awarded to potential suppliers
The Minister also mentioned that to date, ADMARC has borrowed MK1.8 billion which is being used to procure maize
“As of 3rd August, ADMARC had bought 9,814 metric tons of maize at an average price of MK110 per kg translating into a total cost of MK1.09 billion. The remaining funds (MK0.7 billion) are expected to buy about 6,400 metric tons.
“Therefore, with budget funds and ADMARC resources totaling MK16.8 billion, Government will be able to buy 126,000 metric tons of maize.” He aid
“In addition, Government bought 30,000 metric tons from Zambia and mandated ADMARC to uplift it into the Country. So far, 6,164 metric tons of the 30,000 metric tons has been lifted into the country. It is expected that the rest of the tonnage will be in the country by end of September.” Said Chiyembekeza
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