Corn production in South Africa is expected to increase in 2001 / 02

Introduction: the Foreign Agricultural Service Bureau of the U.S Department of Agriculture reports In 2001 / 02, the corn production in South Africa has a good prospect In November and December, the rainfall in the corn delta of South Africa (free state, northwest state, Gauteng, Mpumalanga) was normal to higher than normal, which provided sufficient soil moisture for the growth of crops, but the rainfall caused local floods and delayed the planting of crops, especially in the western and southern corn production areas At the beginning of January, the sporadic rainstorm and the moderate temperature (up to 30-35 ℃) in the corn Delta area are conducive to the growth of corn and other summer crops in the area Generally, corn crops are in the regeneration stage from late January to early February, which is easily affected by drought and high temperature According to the long-term weather forecast of the South African meteorological service, it is expected that the rainfall from February to April 2002 will be normal to below normal, and the temperature is seasonal The U.S Department of agriculture currently estimates that the corn harvest area of South Africa in 2001 / 02 was 3.5 million hectares, 9% higher than last year It is estimated that corn production in South Africa is 9 million tons, 1.5 million tons or 20% higher than last year, due to the increase of planting area and the expected unit yield close to the average In addition to a suitable climate, high domestic corn prices and low inventory levels will lead to increased planting area In February, the South African government will release its first estimate of corn production for 2001 / 02.