FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - ZIMBABWE* (4 June)
Harvesting of the 1999 coarse grain crops, mainly maize, is near completion. Despite a significant increase in the area planted and good rains at the beginning of the season, crop yields were adversely affected by excessive rains in January and February. Latest forecasts indicate a maize output of 1.54 million tonnes, 5 percent above last year, but still below average. Millet and sorghum production is also forecast to decline.
Prices of basic food commodities have increase sharply since the same period last year, reflecting the unsatisfactory harvest and low carryover stocks. The food supply situation in the 1999/2000 marketing year (April/March) is anticipated to be tight. Maize import requirements are estimated at about 500 000 tonnes.
Back
to menu