(Ecofin Agency) - “We already passed the stage where we can talk of a disappointing production. This, is a disaster.” These are the words of Jannie de Villiers, CEO of the largest South African cereals association, Grain SA, describing the current maize season.

The executive said the rainbow nation could import as much as 5 million tons of maize this year. This represents about 50% of its needs which have been estimated at 10.5 million tons. This was caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon due to which producers from the North-Western provinces and Orange Free State missed the sowing period which ended last December 31st. In 2014, 64% of national output came from these two regions.

In sight of this, authorities expect the production to hit its lowest ever since 1995. Prices of white maize used in cooking doubled since last year whereas those of yellow maize used to feed livestock soared 63%.

Aaron Akinocho