Why Is Maize Important in South Africa
What is called maize?
Maize, usually known as corn, is a cereal grain that grows tall and produces yellow kernels on long ears.
Where was maize first produced in the world?
Maize was first domesticated as a cereal grain by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico some 10,000 years ago.
Why is maize referred to as fruit?
Botanists commonly classify maize grain as a fruit since it is a ripened ovary containing a ripened ovule. The pericarp is merged with the seed coat in this fruit, which is known as caryopsis.
Why is maize important in South Africa?
Maize is South Africa’s most important grain crop, serving as both a major feed grain for the animal feed industry and a staple diet for the majority of the country’s inhabitants. Maize has a significant influence on economic growth and food security.
What are the uses of maize?
Maize is used for food and animal feed, and it may be processed into a wide range of food and industrial items such as starch, sweeteners, oil, drinks, glue, industrial alcohol, foams, plastics, adhesives, and fuel ethanol.
What food is made from maize?
1. Porridge
2. Corn muffins
3. Cornbread
4. Indian maize pancakes
In which parts of South Africa is maize grown?
South Africa’s maize production is centred in the North West province, the Free State, the Mpumalanga Highveld, and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Which province in South Africa produces the most maize?
The Free State province is the major maize producer, accounting for thirty to forty percent of South Africa’s total production each year
Which country in Africa is the largest producer of maize?
According to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the top African producer of maize is Nigeria with over 33 million tons, followed by South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Which country is the world’s largest producer of maize?
The United States of America is the world’s largest corn producer, producing nine billion bushels of maize per year.
