FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - ECUADOR (11 September)
Normal rains have resumed in most areas following the torrential rains which months earlier seriously affected the country. Harvesting of the 2000 yellow maize crop has been completed while that of the maize is about to start. Early production forecasts indicate that aggregate maize output (both crops) should improve from last year and reach a slightly above average level.
Harvesting of the paddy crop has been completed and a belowaverage output has been collected, largely reflecting unattractive prices to the producer and financial constraints to the agricultural sector in general.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) should be similar to the previous year�s volume of 490 000 tonnes. Maize imports are forecast to decline from last year�s some 170 000 tonnes to about 110 000 tonnes.