AN ACUTE POSITION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 62, 6 April 1945, Page 5

AN ACUTE POSITION

♦ ■ SHORTAGE OF MAIZE t ■ APPEAL TO FARMERS In an advertisement in this issue 9 the Primary Production Council venes a meeting of maize growers for Monday next. During the past and present seasons the planting of maize for the market lias been so much neglected that, a position has developed where maize to consumers is now rationed. This shortage in poultry and stock food is causing very great concern to users and poultry farmers are faced with serious; depletion of their Hocks through the lack of feeding material. To overcome the situation a drive will be made to increase the 1945-46 planting season. The chief maizet growing districts have been asked to make efforts to plant 12 000 acres and the target for Opotiki and Whakatane districts is set at 3000 acres-. This present cropping this area is estimated to supply only about a third of what is expected from our district to meet the market requirements. Apart from that a survey shows that some 1250 acres have been planted in small lots under the pig subsidy scheme. The small growers are to be asked to not only continue growing for their own use } but to double the acreage so that surpluses can be utilised to assist the market. The Production Council have assured the Government that every endeavour will be made to arrest the decline and the purpose of the handicaps with Mr Huse, the. tional Council Organiser. That officer was in the district early in the year when suggestions were given to him for submission, to the Minister of Agriculture. Mr Huse desires to surmount any obstacles to planting as soon as possible, } so that farmers have ample time to make the necessary preparations for the 194546 season.