By Chisomo Phiri
It has been revealed that 2022/2023 maize production has dropped by 5.6 percent to 3 509 837 metric tonnes (MT) from 3 716 479 MT recorded in the 2021/22 season.
This is according to the third round crop estimates issued by Ministry of Agriculture.
A statement from the ministry signed by Principal Secretary Dickxie Kampani has since attributed the decline in maize production this year, to combined effects of reduced inputs uptake and use which resulted in reduced area planted and yield coupled by unfavourable weather conditions.
“Maize production has declined this year due to the combined effects of reduced inputs uptake and use, which resulted in reduced area planted and yield, coupled by unfavourable weather conditions of floods, mainly, in the Southern Region and dry spells, specifically in the Northern Region district of Karonga,” reads the statement in part.
However, livestock population has risen and the increase is attributed to the rise in births following improved management practices.
Maize is the main staple food crop in Malawi and is largely cultivated by smallholder farmers.
Aside from its strategic importance to the economy and food security, the crop also plays an important role in the livestock industry as an ingredient in feed formulations.
