Global maize output likely to set record this yr: IGC

Global maize production is likely to be a record 822 million tonne (mt) in the 2010-11 season, up from 807 mt last season, due to improved prospects in the US, Mexico and parts of Africa, the International Grains Council (IGC) said in its latest report today.

"The world maize production forecast for 2010-11 is increased by 15mt to a record 822 mt," the IGC report said.

The report, however, noted that despite this increase, demand will overshoot the projected supply of 822 mt by 4 mt at 826 mt during the year. "The world maize consumption is projected to rise by 2 per cent in 2010-11 to a record 826 mt, against 812mt last year," the IGC report said.

The area under maize is expected to expand by 1 per cent to 156.1 million hectare in 2010-11, against 154.5 million hectare last year, it added.

The average yield is projected to increase slightly from last year’s 5.2 tonne per hectare assuming a mostly favourable season in the Southern Hemisphere and good weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere, the report noted.

According to IGC, maize output may increase marginally to 340mt in the US (the world's largest producer of the grain), 162mt in China, 59.1 mt in the European Union and 54.2 mt in Brazil. Production in Canada is forecast to be 9 per cent higher than last year at 10.5mt as rains helped speedy development of newly-planted crop, it said.

The planted area in Europe is projected to be similar to last year at 8.5 million hectare, but with average yields expected to be higher, production is likely to increase to 59.1mt, the report said.

Strong domestic demand and higher prices are expected to lead to increased plantings in Russia, with production forecast to rise to 5mt this year, against 5mt last year, it said.