(Ecofin Agency) - In Malawi, corn output dropped to 2.8 million tons during the 2017-18 season, which represents a decrease by 20% from the 3.5 million tons recorded last season.

According to Joseph Mwanamvekha, the agriculture minister, this poor performance is due to dry spell in some regions and armyworm attacks.

Back in October 2017, pests had already damaged about 35, 870 hectares. This represents half of the total area planted during the season.

Reuters reports that the government is planning to rebuild the national cereal reserves to help cushion the harvest decline.

Let’s recall that corn production accounts for over 60% of Malawi's total agricultural production. 

Espoir Olodo