This achievement follows years of declining output, heavy reliance on imports, and severe disruptions from drought and conflict, with last year’s harvest totaling only around 350,000 tons.
The association has stressed that every additional day of delay adds expenses without benefiting farmers, millers or consumers.
South Africa’s grain economy is anchored by maize, supported by a structurally constrained wheat sector and a rapidly expanding soybean industry.
Russia increased its agricultural exports to Africa sharply in the first half of 2026, with wheat accounting for more than 90% of shipments to the continent.
The improvement marks a sharp turnaround from the severe wheat crisis caused by drought in the previous agricultural season and could significantly reduce Syria’s dependence on imports.