Ghana: Maize

General Overview of Maize Production

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple food crop in West Africa and plays a fundamental role as a food security crop. Although a major staple in Ghana and contributing significantly to consumer diets, its yield of 2.53 Mt/ha (SRID,2021) is below the national yield potential of the crop of more than 5 t/ha for Open Pollinated Varieties and 8-10t/ha for hybrid. This low yield is attributed to low adoption of new technologies, the availability of very few high yielding hybrids on the market, and low use of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers.  

The average annual national production is estimated to be 3.03 million Mt (2020), with approximately 2.35 million Mt consumed as food, 879,940 Mt consumed by the livestock and poultry sectors (primarily yellow maize), the processed food and beverage industry, and 29,568 Mt used as seed stock.

In maize production, hybrids are known to perform better than Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPV) or landraces. Hybrids have a yield advantage over OPVs however, maize cultivation in Ghana is predominantly dominated by OPVs.Commercial farmers (over 1,000 ha) grow mainly imported certified seed [eg Sika Aburo (white) and Nkunim (yellow)] while the smallholder farmers mainly grow Obatanpa (OPV).  

Between the period 1972 and 2019, 55 maize varieties have been released by CSIR-CRI, CSIR-SARI, WACCI-University of Ghana, Wienco/RMG Ghana Limited and Seed Co with the approval of the National Seed Council in Ghana.  

The government of Ghana in 2017 introduced a flagship programme; Planting for Food and Jobs campaign which is geared towards supporting farmers with improved seeds and agro-inputs to enhance their productivity.  

Globally, maize production in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Micronesia, Tonga etc.)  and the Americas (U.S, Canada, Argentina etc.) show yields around 8 Mt/ha, which is 25% above the global yield of 6 Mt/ha. This is especially important given that the Americas accounted for over half the maize production in 2020. The yield increased the fastest in Asia (by 56%), to 5.5 Mt/ha in 2020. The yield was lowest in Africa, at around 2 Mt/ha during the last two decades, and increased by just 16 % between 2000 and 2020, the slowest pace among all regions (FAOSTAT, 2020).

Over 80% of Ghana's total maize production is produced in the Ashanti, Eastern, Bono, Central, and Bono East regions, which are the key maize-producing areas. The remainder is provided by the five northern regions (Northern, Savannah, North East, Upper East, and Upper West). In 2021, the Ashanti region produced an average of 548,782 Mt of maize, the highest three-year average from 2019 to 2021 followed Eastern Region producing 431,0789 mt, placing it in second place.

               Figure 1:  TOP FIVE MAIZE PRODUCING REGIONS IN GHANA (THREE YEAR AVERAGE, 2019-2021

Figure 2: Figure 2: Comparison of Average Yield Performance of Maize by Region with National Average and Achievable Yields

 

Table 1: Production Trend of Maize in Ghana between 2011 and 2021

Year	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Annual Production ‘000Mt	1,683	1,950	1,764	1,769	1,692	1,722	2,011	2,306	2,911	3,071	3,203.49
Annual Area Planted ‘000Ha	1,023	1,042	1,023	1,025	880	865	985	1,021	1,150	1,189	1,266.44
Yield (Mt/Ha)	1.69	1.86	1.72	1.72	1.92	1.99	2.04	2.25	2.53	2.58	2.53

Source: MoFA, (Crop Directorate)

 

Both production area and yield per hectare have increased over time. Production has risen slightly faster than the area and, therefore, yield (in ton/ha) has increased. The national average yield was 2.53 Mt/ha 2021. There is a great opportunity to further increase yield to reach the achievable levels of 5.5 tons/ha based on on-station and on-farm trials (Figure 2). The annual growth of yields has increased significantly between 2018 and 2020. 

Table 1: S.W.O.T Analysis of Maize

Strength  Good climate for maize production Relatively low labour costs Improved business environment Availability of Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) Availability of agricultural lands The existence of practical indigenous knowledge on agricultural practices.	Weakness Weak rural transportation infrastructure Existence of land tenure system in most communities Limited access to finance Lack of reliable data Over-reliance on climatic conditions.
Opportunity growing emphasis on the production and consumption of local fppd New available techniques to improve productivity and quality of the crops. Government interventions (Planting for Food and Job, One District, One Factory) Development and use of improve varieties High export potential	Threats Negative ramification of climate change. Insufficient political will towards the continuity of programs Weak links among research, market, and policy

 

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Maize Value Chain

Input Provision

The productivity of maize producers in Ghana is relatively low when compared to other major maize producing countries in Africa and Asia even though there have been some productivity improvements between 2009 and 2019. Studies have shown this productivity can be further improved. Proper use of agro-chemicals and high yielding certified seed or improved varieties as well as employing mechanization and Good Agronomic Practices can result in improved productivity.

Maize has been identified as one of the priority crops by the government to ensure food security and increase farmers’ incomes while providing jobs for the unemployed under the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign. Production of maize has thus received a very strong support from the government through seed distribution, fertilizer distribution, extension, and technical support. 

 

Producers – Smallholder Farmers

Most maize is produced by smallholder farmers under rain-fed conditions leading to annual variations. Smallholder farmers account for a significant maize production of 70% in Ghana and are mainly in the Eastern, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions. However, the overall maize production in the country has remained relatively stable both in terms of area harvested and volumes because of reliance on traditional farming methods. Under traditional production methods and rain-fed conditions, yields are below their attainable levels. According to MoFA-SRID (2020), Ghana has about 1,189,000 hectares of land under maize cultivation. Depending on the agroecology, farmers will produce 1 or 2 maize crops per year. Average yields are estimated to be 2.25Mt/ha (depending on the region and season). However, storage facilities are generally lacking, and post-harvest losses are estimated to be about 30% (according to MoFA-SRID, FAO and USAID).

There is potential to enhance global competitiveness using improved seeds and fertilizers, which could result in yield improvements of over 23% and significantly reduce costs of production.

 

Aggregators

The aggregators buy maize in sacks and re-bag into 100kg or 50 kg and sell them to various consumers including poultry farmers, schools, feed millers and breweries. Some of the aggregators in the maize markets, pre-finance the smallholder farmers in the form of agricultural inputs, seed, and cash. After the production and harvesting of maize, the smallholder farmers pay back the money “in kind” in the form of maize harvested. There are also ‘market queens’ who compete with the aggregators and buy from the smallholder farmers. They resell some of the maize in the maize markets. 

 

Marketing and Trade

Domestic maize trade relies largely on a network of traders linked by personal and earthly ties. The “Market Queens” are also very influential in the trade of maize along the value chain. Women engaged in maize trading dominates the local and regional markets. In the Techiman District, Aggregators and Wholesalers obtain their maize either directly from farmers with whom they have long-standing relationship or from maize assemblers in the district. The local aggregators/ wholesalers then sell to long-distance traders serving urban markets throughout the country (FAO, 2006). Techiman serves as one of the main feeder markets in Ghana because of the maize coming from the main producing areas in Brong Ahafo. From Techiman, the maize is then directed to Accra and or Bolgatanga at the border with Burkina Faso and or Cote d’Ivoire. Other high maize production areas are Afram Plains, Ejura and their environs also have their maize markets where aggregators/wholesalers sell to traders serving the urban markets as well as processors. Another important feeder market for maize is Tamale located in the Northern Region.

 

Market Demand

The total quantity of maize marketed annually in Ghana is widely reported by maize market stakeholders to be about 1.8 million Mt. A significant volume of Ghanaian-produced maize remains within producer households as a primary staple food. Imports and exports are minimal and thought to have a net neutral effect on the market (see Table ). Limited yellow maize is imported for the poultry feed industry and internal cross-border trade with the Sahel occurs but has not been sufficiently studied and quantified. Current maize product demand in Ghana is estimated to be about 2.5 million MT. If adequate storage is put in place, Ghana can increase export supplies and domestic demand.

Food Balance Sheet (2019/2020) Production Season

Total Production	3,071,000 MT
Total Imports	9,543 MT
Carry overstock	220,800 MT
Exports	2,607 MT
Domestic Utilization (Food)	2,349,920 MT
Seed, Feed and Wastage	879,940 MT
Total Supplies	3,259,428 MT
Import dependency ratio	3%

 

Consumption

Human Consumption: Maize, specifically white maize, is an important staple food in Ghana, particularly for the approximately 1 million households involved in primary production of maize. However, many consumers are showing an increased preference for rice over maize due to ease of rice preparation. This trend is more pronounced in urban areas and is significantly less apparent in rural maize-producing areas. Considering that annual population growth has been between 2 percent and 3.5 percent since 1980, any decline in per-capita human consumption of maize due to changing consumer preferences is likely to have been offset by overall population growth. This resulted in essentially stagnant overall human consumption of maize.

Animal Feed : Poultry consumes about 400,000 MT of maize produced and marketed annually (approximately 20 percent of the maize marketed). The volume of high-quality yellow maize going into commercial poultry feed is about 200,000 MT. Roughly 150,000 MT of this is produced in Ghana, primarily in the Northern Region. Imports represent the balance of about 50,000 MT. The remaining 175,000 to 200,000 MT of maize required for feed is locally produced white maize.  

White maize remains more widely produced and thus more available in the market, but the poultry industry prefers yellow maize. The poultry industry is dominated by layers, and yellow maize contributes to a more pronounced yolk colour. Commercial poultry feed producers and large integrated poultry companies use an additive in feed produced with white maize to compensate for the yolk colour impact. Small-scale poultry producers do not, and the eggs produced are significantly paler.

Maize accounts for about 60 percent of the average poultry feed ration. Commercial broiler production is struggling to compete with cheap broiler imports from Brazil, which is an explanation for layer dominated industry producing table egg. Most poultry operations mix their own feed, buying ration components from various sources. The white maize is mostly purchased from traders and in the local informal markets, while the yellow maize is more often purchased by the few large, formal final feed millers and the large integrated poultry operations.

Industrial Use: Industrial maize buyers estimate that processing and utilization of maize represent up to 20 to 25 percent of the total maize marketed. Breweries are a small but important player in the Ghana maize market. Sorghum is preferred to maize in brewing, but breweries will substitute maize if attainable at a competitive price.  

Breweries and beverage manufacturers have also done trials with corn syrup as a substitute for sugar and are eager about the possibilities for using corn syrup due to unique fermentation properties. Some processors use maize for ready-made or processed traditional foods (such as banku), which meet with mixed consumer reviews. While some prefer the convenience of “quick prepare” products, many perceive these products as lower quality and are unwilling to pay a premium. These products largely target the small export market for Ghanaians living abroad who show a higher rate of adoption and acceptance.

 

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Key Agronomic Practices

Key Agronomic Practices and their Importance 

Key Good Agricultural Practices	Brief Description and Importance
Planting Material	The basic planting material is seed. The seed is either an Open Pollinated Variety or a Hybrid. There are several varieties of these planting materials released and registered in Ghana. Popular varieties include Obaatanpa, Mamaba, Opeaburo, Wangdata, Sanzal-sima, Sika Aburo (Pan 53), and Lake 601.
Selection of Variety	Varieties are selected based on their distinctive characteristics. Selection of a variety should also be based on weather information, topography, soil type, ecology, etc. of a locality.  The most suitable variety is the one best meeting farmers’ and consumer’s needs as well as meeting the changing climatic conditions (drought, pest and disease tolerance, earliness, salinity etc.).  Varieties based on duration/ Gestation Period  Early maturing varieties (90-95 days). Medium-duration varieties (105–110 days)  Long-duration varieties (>110 days and longer)
Land Preparation	Land preparation  depends on the type of vegetation., Field preparation is done using simple implements. On land that has been fallowed for two years or more, practice traditional land clearing techniques common in each agro-ecology.   Farmers with access to tractors or bullocks can plough and harrow their fields before planting. To reduce erosion on sloping fields, plough across the slope (contour ploughing). Other techniques that can be used to reduce the risk of runoff and soil erosion include tied ridges, surface mulching, land terracing, contour stone bunds, reforestation etc. Zero tillage may be employed by farmers using the recommended herbicides.
Planting	Planting is the most critical phase in the establishment of a new crop on a prepared field. Some steps to consider before planting includes seed selection, germination test and seed treatment.  Altering planting dates can be used to escape diseases and pest attack. Sowing time depends on the season as well as the agro-ecology. Sow after the rains have stabilized to avoid wilting. Planting is  done based on the maturity period of the crop and the weather information.  Planting distance is usually 70cmX40cm. There are however, variations in the planting distance depending on the type of variety being cultivated. Planting Distance & Population Per Ha Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) •80cm x 40cm (31,250 plants) •75cm x 40cm (33,333 plants) Hybrid •75cm x 25cm (53,333 plants) Planting Time Major Season: Early April – End of May: Forest, Transition and Coastal Savannah Zones End of May-End of June: Guinea Savannah Guinea savannah has only one season in a year. Minor Season: Mid-August – Early September: Forest and Transition Zones August – Early September:  Coastal Savannah Zone
Choose suitable soils	Maize grows best on well-drained, deep, loamy soils containing sufficient plant nutrients and organic matter.
Agro Climate Conditions	Maize is generally adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions. It does well in an ecology with amount of rainfall not less than 700mm per annum.  The following are critical in selecting a site for maize production: Cropping history, Topography, Soil Type and Accessibility to the field.
Roguing	Roguing is a very important activity, especially in seed fields. This is done to remove plants that are not true to type or with undesirable characteristics from the field. They are usually referred to as off-types. They are removed from the field to ensure that the crop retains its integrity as regards to certain physical attributes. It is also to avoid admixtures and ensure purity in grain type when harvested. Rogue whenever necessary.
Pest and Disease Management	Pests and diseases reduce crop productivity. The pests and diseases of maize must be effectively managed through an integrated approach to optimize crop yield.  Including, cultural, biological, and chemical to control a multitude of pest problems. It is based on prevention, monitoring and control which offer the opportunity to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of pesticides and to minimize the toxicity of and exposure to any product which are used.  Examples of pests are Fall Armyworm and maize stalk borer. Examples of diseases include Maize streak and maize leaf spot.
Soil Fertility Management	Conducting periodic soil tests helps in determining the nutrient (organic and inorganic) needs of cereals (maize) and makes the appropriate fertilizer recommendations.  Fertilizer Application Rate per Ha Open Pollinated Variety (OPV): 1-2 weeks after planting: 6 bags (300kg) of NPK per Ha 5-6 weeks after planting: 2 bags (100kg) of Nitrogen based fertilizer Urea/ Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA) per Ha Hybrids: 1-2 weeks after planting: 7 bags (350kg) of NPK per Ha 5-6 weeks after planting: 3 bags (150kg) of Nitrogen based fertilizer Urea/ Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA) per Ha Recommended rate of fertilizer also depends on the agro-ecology, soil type and cropping history of the field. However, because of the continuous use of land for cultivation, most of the lands across agro-ecologies have exhausted most of the major nutrients. Thus, fertilizer recommendations have been made for farmers to follow and achieve maximum yields. Compound fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15 or NPK 20-20-0) should be applied at planting for maximum benefit. However, if that is not possible it should be applied just after germination. The following NPK formulations have been tested and proven to be good for the respective agro ecologies: Guinea Savannah and Forest transition (NPK 11-22-21+5S+0.7Zn+0.5B). Forest-Savannah Transition and Guinea Savannah (NPK 15-20-20+0.7Zn). All agro-ecologies (NPK 25-10-10+6S+3MgO+0.3Zn and NPK 20-10-10+3S). Use the recommended rates for a good crop:  OPVs: apply 6 bags of NPK/ha + 2 bags/ha urea or SOA. Hybrids:  apply 7 bags of NPK/ha + 3 bags/ha urea or SOA.
Weed Management	Weed control during the first six to eight weeks after planting is crucial, as weeds compete vigorously with the crop for nutrients and water during this period and reduce yield. The root parasite Striga asiatica or witchweed (rooiblom) can damage the crop and mainly occurs under low input farming conditions. Weed management is most successful when it involves an integrated approach using a variety of methods. The 4 types of weed control measures, which are commonly used in cereal production, are preventive, cultural, chemical, and mechanical.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest practices	Harvesting Maize should be harvested at physiological maturity. Harvesting should coincide with bright sunshine and dry weather. Avoid late harvesting to reduce lodging, ear rot and insect problems. Drying of Maize  Local weather information will help in deciding the drying method. The drying methods include sun/solar and mechanical drying. Dry on a concrete floor or tarpaulin to achieve a moisture content of 12-14%. Storage Storage involves holding and preserving produce from the time of production until they are needed for consumption. Storage protects the quality of produce from deterioration. The storage environment for Maize should be cool and dry to avoid the accumulation of moisture to prevent grain quality deterioration. A safe storage system should provide protection from insects, rodents, birds, and other foreign materials.   Methods of Storage Grains may be stored as follows: Open (uncontrolled) environment e.g. storage in bans, bins, sacks, cribs. Controlled environment e.g. silos and cold storage facilities.

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Key Risks Along the Value Chain and Mitigation Measures

Value Chain Actions	Key Risks and Challenges	Mitigation Measures
Input Supply	Use of poor quality seed quality and inappropriate variety	- Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) - Use improved and certified seeds and agro-input for production. - Develop more improved materials to meet market demands. - Use appropriate variety suitable for agroecological zone and meet consumers' choice.
Finance	Credit access to support and upscale production level is a challenge	- Link stakeholders along the value chain to Financial Institutions. - Create strong linkages among actors to establish trust
Production	Erratic rainfall patterns/ Drought/ Dry Spells	- Cultivate early maturing varieties - Use drought-tolerant varieties - Pay attention to early warning systems and plant when the rains have stabilized  - Cultivate in valley bottoms
	Flood/Storms	- Construction of drainage channels - Diversion of water into dugouts to collect runoff - Use long duration varieties - Avoid flood-prone areas - Plant trees to serve as windbreaks - Cultivate flood/storm tolerant varieties - Pay attention to early warning systems
	Soil infertility affecting yields	- Carry out soil test - Apply recommended and appropriate fertilizers
	Pests and diseases	Use a blend of cultural, biological, and chemical for control
Post-harvest handling	High post-harvest losses and wastages	- Set up storage facilities in major maize growing areas - Harvest early when grains mature - Effective grading and sorting - Establish strong linkages between producers, processors, and industrial consumers
Marketing	The volatility of market prices	- NABCO absorbing or purchasing produce from producers when there is a glut. - Support access to storage facilities by aggregators and wholesalers - Industry players engaging in contracts
Processing	High post-harvest losses and wastages	- Set up processing facilities in major maize growing areas - Effective grading and sorting - Establish strong linkages between producers, processors, and industrial consumers
Consumption	Competition from animal feed industry and breweries for both white and yellow maize	- Develop more improved materials to meet market demands. - Increase the scale of seed and grain production. -Encourage contractual agreement among actors
Other	High level of government involvement (input subsidy)	Government and producers to engage in contract production. Follow-up and monitoring of fields

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Pests & Diseases, Symptoms and Control Measures

Major Pest of Maize and their Management

Pest	Symptoms	Management / Control Measures
1. Stem Borer	Damage on leaves: (A) characteristic “windowpanes,” (B) shot holes where tissue has been eaten away, and (D) dead heart. Symptoms of damage to stems and cobs: (C) galleries filled with frass, (E) cobs showing frass, and (F) deposits and empty grains.	Use of pheromone traps and light traps Weed along field margins Modify sowing periods or early planting Crop rotation and intercropping pile up the stems in compost Chemical control - Apply Dursban or beta-cyfluthrine
2.Fall Armyworm	Defoliated leaves starting from the margin Different sizes of papery windows are seen on infested maize plant leaves No growth and development of the crop plants with no cob or tassel formation   It can cause significant damage and crop yield losses, if not well managed. Maize is its preferred host. In addition to maize, the pest has also been detected on an increasing number of other crops (e.g., sorghum and sugarcane). They cause defoliation in all stages of the maize plant	Surveillance, early warning system Good husbandry practices, bio-control measure Deep ploughing with the aim of discovering, removing, or burying the fall armyworms, Regular weeding Removing the plants residues in the field after the harvest, Boosting the plants resistance by applying well decomposed manure, recommended inorganic fertilizers and irrigation, Crop rotation of cereals with legumes (beans, soybeans,) or tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes), Regular surveillance of the plantation Spray with appropriate and recommended insecticide
3. Grasshopper	The outer rows of corn are usually the first to be attacked, but as the grasshoppers reach the adult stage, they move further into the field eating the leaves, silks (may interfere with pollination), and ear tips. When grasshopper populations are high and the damage is severe, they may only leave the leaf mid-ribs, pruned ears, and barren stalks.	Surveillance Early warning system Spraying with recommended pesticides when number is beyond threshold.

 

Major Diseases of Maize and their Control Measures

Diseases	Symptoms	Management and Control Measures
Maize Streak virus	Pale spots or flecks appear on leaves 3 - 7days after inoculation Longer pale spots appear on streaks which eventually coalesce Stunted growth	Avoid planting downwind of covered crops Apply insecticides Plant resistant varieties
Leaf spots	Large oval spots appear on leaves of corn This disease is transmitted by a fungus called Helmnthosporium turcicum. It is frequent during rainy seasons.	Early planting Seed treatment with appropriate chemicals Use resistant varieties
Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease	Premature plant death Sterile male plants Rotting cobs Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is caused by the combination of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and a virus belonging to the potyviridae family. The most commons are the potyvirus Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV), Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (Corn MLND) or the tritimovirus Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV).	Seed should not be recycled; farmers should plant certified seed only. Employ integrated pest management practices encompassing cultural control such as crop rotation and intercropping, appropriate spacing, fertilizer application, weeding etc. Uproot infected plants and bury them in 1m deep hole. Do not grow maize nearby an infected maize plantation. Rotate crop with other non-cereal crops. Grain and cobs that are rotten should be destroyed by burning. Domestic regulation can be put in place to prevent the movement of maize products from affected areas to disease-free regions.
Leaf blight, Downy mildew, and Aflatoxins	Malformation of tassels in infected plants. Chlorosis, white stripes, stunting with downy fungal growth on both leaf surfaces	Usage of tolerant varieties, disease-free varieties. Practice crop rotation Early harvesting

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Market Information on Maize

Major Markets

The major production/market areas for trade and commerce of maize include Eastern, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Central regions. Some specific areas include Techiman, Kintampo, Ejura, Bolgatanga, Wa, Accra, and Tamale.

 

Market Opportunities

There are several opportunities for investment in the maize value chain. Maize is a major grain cereal in Ghana as it is grown in the entire agro-ecological zones. It occupies about 31% of food crops under cultivation and constitutes 70% of cereal production. According to FAO, the production of maize increased to 2.3 million metric tonnes in 2018 as compared to 1.7 million metric tonnes in 2016.

• High demand for domestic consumption in Ghana (per capita consumption of 40 Kg/year in 2017). The need to meet domestic consumption drives the market growth.
• Growing demand for maize as feedstock for the poultry market.

Poultry consumes about 400,000 MT of maize (approximately 20 percent of the maize produced and marketed) annually About 200,000 MT of high-quality yellow maize goes into commercial poultry feed. Roughly 150,000 MT of this is produced in Ghana, primarily in the Northern Region. Imports represent the balance of about 50,000 MT.  

The remaining 175,000 to 200,000 MT of maize required for feed is locally produced white maize.  

• Poultry (feed) consumes 400kmt (20% of total produce and marketed)

 200,000 MT - Yellow maize  

• 150,000 MT– Locally produced (Northern Region)
• 50,000 MT– Imported

 200,000 MT - White maize (Locally produced)

• Opportunity – As the poultry industry grows, there would be additional demand for yellow maize, which is preferred for poultry feed.

Opportunity – As the poultry industry grows, there would be additional demand for yellow maize, which is preferred for poultry feed.

Price Trends

The Ghana National annual average nominal wholesale market price for a ton of Maize as at  2021 was GHS2,711.80 whiles the annual real price was GHS2,092.44. Price trend in 2021 saw a sharp rise for both nominal and real prices. In specific markets in the major cities the wholesale price per bag is usually high in Tema, Takoradi and Kumasi. Ghana Commodity Exchange and MoFA (SRID) gives updates on prices of maize from different market centers.

SRID MoFA              A Rebased CPI with 2012 constant prices 

World Prices of Maize 2000- 2022

World Bank Pink Sheet 

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Enterprise Budget for Maize

Enterprise Budget for Maize (2019)

The tables 1 and 2 give an indicative budget to cultivate a hectare of maize (Open Pollinated Variety – OPV and Hybrids respectively) under rain-fed conditions.

Table 1: Maize Crop Budget (Open Pollinated Variety - OPV)

Production of One Hectare Maize (OPV) Under Rain-Fed Condition
Activity		Cost per Hectare (GH¢) rain-fed
		Qty. / Freq.	Unit cost (GH¢)	Total cost
Land Preparation	Ploughing	1	150.00	150.00
	Harrowing	1	100.00	100.00
Crop Establishment	Certified seed	21Kg	7.00	147.00
	Planting	1 ha	100.00	100.00
Weed Management	Pre-emergence herbicide	1 lts	30.00	30.00
	Application cost	1 ha	30.00	30.00
	Weeding with Hoe	1 ha	100.00	100.00
Fertilizer Management	Starter fertilizer NPK	6 bags	120.00	720.00
	Application cost	6 bags	30.00	180.00
	Top-dressing with Urea	2 bags	120.00	240.00
	Application cost	2 bags	30.00	60.00
Harvest	Harvesting	1 ha	200.00	200.00
Post Harvest Management	Dehusking & Shelling using engine powered sheller	35 bags	4.00	140.00
	Bagging	35 bags	0.50	17.50
	Empty sacks	35 pieces	3.00	105.00
	Sewing twine	5 rolls	5.00	25.00
Production Cost				1,210.00
5% Contingency				60.50
Total Production Cost				1,270.50 (A)
Total Revenue		35 bags/acre	165.00/100kg	5,775.00 (B)
Net Revenue (A-B)				GHȼ4,504.50

Assumption: Average Yield of 3.5 Mt/Ha

 

Maize Crop Budget (Hybrid Maize) 

Production of One Hectare Hybrid Maize Under Rain-Fed Condition
Activity		Cost per Hectare (GHȼ) rain-fed
		Qty. / Freq.	Unit Cost	Total Cost
Land Preparation	Ploughing	1	150.00	150.00
	Harrowing	1	100.00	100.00
Crop Establishment	Certified Seed	25Kg	25.00	625.00
	Planting	1 ha	100.00	100.00
Weed Management	Pre-emergence herbicide	1 lts	30.00	30.00
	Application cost	1 ha	30.00	30.00
	Weeding with Hoeing	1 ha	100.00	100.00
Fertilizer Management	Starter fertilizer NPK	7 bags	120.00	840.00
	Application cost	7 bags	30.00	210.00
	Top-dressing with SOA	3 bags	120.00	360.00
	Application cost	3 bags	30.00	90.00
Harvest	Harvesting	1 ha	400.00	400.00
Post Harvest Management	Dehusking & Shelling using engine powered sheller	70 bags	4.00	280.00
	Bagging	70 bags	0.50	35.00
	Empty sacks	70 pieces	3.00	210.00
	Sewing twine	10 rolls	5.00	50.00
Production Cost				3,610.00
5% Contingency				180.50
Total Production Cost				3,790.50 (A)
Total Revenue		70 bags/hectare	GHS 165.00 per 100 kg	11,550.00 (B)
Net Revenue (A-B)				GHȼ7,759.50

Assumption: Average yield of 7.00 Mt/Ha

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Key Policies and Programmes in the Maize Sector

Policy	Rationale
Planting for Food and Jobs (Seed and Fertilizer Subsidies Introduced	50% seed and fertilizer subsidy. Subsidy to be varied year by year. For 2022, subsidy percentage is 15%. No import duty and VAT on all types of fertilizers Increase farmers productivity Self-sufficiency in maize production
Mechanization Programme	Government providing tractors to producers for mechanizing farming Provision made through the Agricultural Mechanization Services Enterprises Centre (AMSEC) owned by the private sector
Block Farm Programme	Piloted in 2009 in six regions – Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West – with the aim is to promote farming as a business among interested farmers to work together and receive a range of services including fertilizer subsidy, mechanization services, and extension
National Buffer Stock Programme (NAFCO)	Established by the government in 2010 to buy, preserve, store, sell and distribute excess maize stock in warehouses across the country. Engages in grain marketing and stabilizes the supply and price of maize

Programmes

The following programmes and projects were fashioned to support the growth of the grains industry particularly maize sector.

Projects and Programmes in the Sub-sector

Project/Programme	Duration	Activities/Output
Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Program (GASIP)	2015-2021	Develop the sorghum value chain through capacity building of various actors
Ghana Grains Development Project	1979–1997	Standardizing pricing policy to promote competitiveness in the grain industry of Ghana.
Food Crops Development Project	2000–2008	To enable beneficiaries raise their household incomes and improve overall nutritional status and standard of living through increased production, processing and marketing of farm produce.
National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO)	2010 to	Established in insulate farmers from the glut on the market that usually resulted from improved production levels
Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) campaign	2017 to	Seeks to increase agriculture productivity and catalyze a structural transformation in the economy through increased farm incomes and job creation.   Motivate farmers to adopt certified seeds and fertilizers through a private sector-led marketing framework to raise the incentives and complementary service provisions on the usage of inputs, good agronomic practices, and marketing of outputs over an e-agriculture platform
Savannah Zone Agricultural Productivity Improvement Project	2018 - 2022	Transform agricultural value chains for food and nutrition security, job and wealth creation in the SADA Zone
Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project	2012 - 2019	Promoting inclusive commercial farming along selected commodity value chain in Northern Ghana (SADA zone) & Accra Plains

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Maize Growing Seasons and Cropping Cycle

For a comprehensive copy of the Ghana Cropping Calendar, send a mail to: Editor@agricinafrica.com

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AVERAGE WEEKLY WHOLESALE PRICES FOR SOME AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES MARCH 18 2023

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Soil Suitability Map for Maize

CSIR-Soil Research

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References: Centre for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Ghana; FAO; Syecomp; Agriculture in Ghana Facts & Figures (Ministry of Food & Agriculture)