The plant, which employs advanced degermination technology, will produce high-quality grits, flour, and feed byproducts.
These developments occur against a backdrop of global challenges, including the United States imposing a 30% tariff on South African agricultural products.
The FARM P3 pilot will directly benefit up to 4,000 smallholder farmers, providing them with new opportunities to strengthen production and market access.
Producers who had invested heavily in pesticides, fertilizers, labour, and rented land said they expected better returns, only to be disappointed by low market prices.
Conab credited growth in cultivated area, up 1.9 million hectares to 81.7 million, and favorable weather.