FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - BOTSWANA (15 September)
Latest official estimates indicate a 2000 cereal production close to 21 000 tonnes, including 11 000 tonnes of sorghum and 9 000 tonnes of maize. Despite an increase of 20 percent in plantings, production is only 9 percent higher than the reduced level of last year and below the average of the past five years. Heavy precipitation from December to February, resulted in severe flooding in eastern and southern parts causing severe damage to housing and infrastructure and severely reducing crop yields.
Pastures and livestock conditions are reported in good conditions reflecting the abundant precipitation during the rainy season.
Cereal import requirements in marketing year 2000/01 (April/March) are estimated at 250 000 tonnes, including 65 000 tonnes of wheat. This deficit is expected to be covered on commercial basis.
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