FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - UZBEKISTAN (28 May)
Harvesting of the 1999 winter grains has started in some areas. The outlook remains satisfactory but without essential inputs production is likely to be well short of the revised production target of 5.3 million tonnes. Indications are that the area has remained stable. On large farms, wheat and barley were sown on 1.3 million hectares, including 1 million hectares of irrigated land. In addition, the rural population has to plant additional area on private plots, where yields are increasing at a faster rate than on large farms. The target for winter grain production in 1999 had previously been set at 4.6 million tonnes, including 4.0 million tonnes (3.8 million tonnes of wheat) from large farms and the balance from private plots. This compares with an estimated output of 3.8 million tonnes of wheat and barley in 1998. In addition, the country produced roughly 0.5 million tonnes of maize and rice, bringing total 1998 grain production to 4.3 million tonnes. Imports of grain are being reduced to maintain a positive trade balance, despite reduced cotton fibre exports and lower prices as well as disruption of trade with the Russian Federation and neighbouring states. The 1998/99 cereal deficit is expected to be imported commercially.
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