IRAQ* (1 May)
Prospects for the 2004 winter grain crop, for harvest from May, are uncertain. Cereal production may be affected by serious shortages of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. The 2003 total cereal production has been estimated at 4.12 million tonnes (including rice in milled terms), about 22 percent above the previous year’s output.
Despite the fact that all Iraqis continue to receive their monthly food ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS), the food security situation in the country remains extremely fragile. Recent events indicate a deterioration of security conditions which led to an increase in humanitarian needs in crisis areas. UN agencies are monitoring the evolution of the situation and providing assistance as needed. Reports from all 18 governorates indicate that food distribution to the entire population under the PDS for April is complete. However, in Falluja, one of the most unstable areas, distribution started only early May.