FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - LESOTHO (1 June)
Harvesting of 1999 cereal crops is underway. Abundant rains from October to January pointed to a marked recovery in cereal production this year. However, below-average precipitation and high temperatures from February to mid- April, mainly in March at the critical growth stage, negatively affected crops. Favourable rains from late April could not prevent a reduction in yields, particularly of maize. As a result, cereal production is forecast to be below average though higher than the reduced harvest last year.
The food supply situation is satisfactory following adequate commercial imports in 1998/99, estimated at 109 000 tonnes of maize and 47 000 tonnes of wheat.
Back
to menu