FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - NICARAGUA (22 June)
Normal rains have favoured planting of the 1999/2000 first season cereal and bean crops which started last month. The outlook is generally good and average maize plantings are expected. The area planted to paddy is also expected to be about average, but production is likely to be insufficient to meet domestic requirements. Average to above-average plantings of beans are also expected, reflecting attractive prices. However, some locations in the northern parts of the country, such as Esteli, Segovia, Huaco and parts of Jinotega are facing serious problems in fulfilling planting intentions mainly because of high farm input costs and financial constraints. Other parts of the Pacific coast are threatened by the lack of rain in the first half of June and crop prospects are uncertain unless notmal rains resume. Food assistance from the international community continues to be provided to people affected by hurricane �Mitch�.
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