Half of maize crop could be written off

Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri

ZIMBABWE’s maize production may drop by more about 50% this season due to a January dry spell that rendered the early planted crop a complete write-off, farming industry players and forecasters said.

Last year, Zimbabwe produced 2,1 million tonnes of the staple grain, more than its 1,8 million tonne annual requirements.