FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - CUBA (11 September)
Harvesting of the 2000/01 first season maize and irrigated paddy crops are underway. Rains during the month of August were reported normal in most parts of the country, but moisture deficits are still registered in the eastern provinces. The situation needs to be closely monitored as a consequence of the prolonged dry weather that has been affecting these areas, particularly the provinces of Las Tunas, Granma and Santiago de Cuba. Some important moisture deficits are also localized in the south eastern parts of the province of Camaguey. Despite the normal to abundant rains reported in the last three months these were not enough to restore normal moisture levels. Technical rehabilitation projects in collaboration with the Government, in an effort to counteract the impact of the drought, are being implemented in the most affected provinces.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) are forecast to be similar to the previous year�s volume of some 900 000 tonnes. Yellow maize imports (July/June) are expected to be about 270 000 tonnes, also close to the previous year. Rice imports in marketing year 2001 (January/December) should still be about 400 000 tonnes, similar to marketing year 2000, despite an anticipated improved production. This is in order to meet the strong domestic demand for this important staple.
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