SA farmers pivot to sunflower as 'Godzilla' El Niño threatens maize harvests

South African farmers are switching from maize to drought-tolerant sunflower ahead of a forecast 'Godzilla' El Niño, a crop-substitution response to anticipated dry conditions in the summer grain belt. The shift reflects both climate risk and economic pressure, but the severity and duration of the El Niño remain uncertain. This could reduce maize output and alter regional grain supply dynamics.

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