IRAQ* (1 June)
Prospects for the 2005 winter cereals, being harvested, are uncertain. Satellite-based Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the months of April and May indicate a decrease in vegetation cover compared to the average (1998-2004) in several main crop producing areas.
Iraqis continue to receive their monthly food ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS). Shortfalls in rice, sugar and milk and infant formula were reported in several parts of the country due mainly to disruptions in transport.
The Iraqi Central Office for Statistics and Information Technology (COSIT) and WFP are planning a follow-up report to last year’s Baseline Food Security Analysis which is expected to shed more light in the overall food situation in the country.