FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - YUGOSLAVIA, FED. REP. OF (SERBIA AND

YUGOSLAVIA, FED. REP. OF (SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)* (30 June)

No firm data is yet available but the outlook for the 1999 grain production has likely been affected heavily by chronic shortage of farm funds and inputs, and damage to industries serving agriculture and infrastructure. Spring sowing operations were considered a strategic priority. Official plans called for spring crops to be planted on 2.5 million hectares, including 1.5 million hectares of maize and other spring grains and every effort was made to ensure funding. Official reports indicate that this target was achieved. Indications are that the area sown to sugarbeet, sunflower and soya, crops, the production of which is supported by the Government, increased by up to 20 percent. However, shortages of inputs and fuel, disruption of labour and damage to fields and other infrastructure are likely to keep yields low. The area sown to winter wheat fell well short of the target of 810 000 hectares mainly in response to economic difficulties, notably rapid inflation and shortages of money as well as persistent and untimely rains. Unofficial reports indicate that the area sown to wheat fell to about 638 000 hectares from 795 000 in 1998, but even this estimate is unconfirmed.

In the Province of Kosovo, the output of all crops is expected to be very low in 1999 due to civil unrest since March 98, which escalated to a crisis situation in March 1999, resulting in large scale population displacement. A peace accord signed on 10 June has allowed refugees to begin to return to their homes. Large-scale international assistance has already been mounted within the Province to address the needs of thousands of IDPs who have been living in very difficult conditions throughout the crisis and for the returnees who will largely have no means to support themselves in the coming months.

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