AS white maize traded around N$4 800 per tonne in South Africa over the past two weeks, Namibian grain producers were happy with the current high prices although consumers feel the pinch.
According to the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) weekly newsletter, white maize is now trading at N$6 800 per tonne in Namibia.
“This is the highest price yet for this season. It must also be taken into account that stored maize is selling slowly to the millers, because markets’ purchases are currently somewhat slow and producers are waiting to benefit from the highest price,” NAU in the newsletter.
“Depending on the rainy season, the country produces between 60 000 and 100 000 tonnes, while total local demand is 160 000 tonnes up to 200 000 tonnes (if the mahangu harvest is low).”
This comes as Namib Mills recently announced a price increase of various products, with the price of maize going up by the biggest margin of 13%.
NAU said this pushes the price of imported maize up as it collects additional costs like transport, levy and GMO-free premium.
Expected Namibian wheat harvests are estimated at 30 000 tonnes, which represents 50% of the country’s requirement of 60 000 tonnes of wheat flour for domestic consumption.
The remaining requirement is usually made up by imports from South Africa, the Black Sea and/or Europe.
“White maize and wheat have therefore both experienced fantastic increases in national production, despite the fact that most green schemes have not produced at full scale, if at all.
“This means, if the green schemes can become productive, Namibia can meet most of its own requirements. This involves commitment, dedication and hard work,” said NAU, adding that it will continue constant support to negotiate stable prices and provide research and extension services to producers to grow more maize.
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