Major maize program in North

CIC Agri Businesses launched a major Maize Outgrower Program in the North to boost maize production and provide an impetus to farmers who have resumed cultivation, an official of the company said.

The country needs around 240,000 metric tons of maize a year for animal feed but produces only 40,000 metric tons. Following the launch of the Maize Task Force in 2006 the annual production has increased to 140,000 metric tons. A deficit of around 100,000 MT is imported annually.

"With the opening of the Northern Province and the initiatives taken by CIC Agri Businesses maize production will increase rapidly", he said.

World maize prices have increased due to the demand for bio fuel. There is a huge potential for maize production and farmers will benefit from the global demand. CIC Agri Businesses will provide technical advice and other inputs to farmers and has agreed to buy back the harvest. The company plans to expand the farmer network to around 5,000 and later to 25,000 farmers to produce 25,000 metric tons of maize annually.

The company presented maize seeds to 400 farmers in the North.

LF