FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - LESOTHO (15 September)
Latest preliminary estimates indicate a 2000 coarse grains production of 107 000 tonnes of maize and 20 000 tonnes of sorghum, 14 percent and 40 percent respectively lower than last year's levels. Late and insufficient rains at the beginning of the season, a prolonged dry spell in January and subsequent excessive rains until March resulted in a decline in plantings and yields.
Prospects for the 2000 wheat crop are uncertain. This reflects a decline in plantings and dry weather in the past months. More rains are urgently needed to avoid a reduction in yields.
Cereal import requirements in 2000/01 (April/March) are estimated at 238 000 tonnes, including 55 000 tonnes of wheat. Virtually all these requirements are anticipated to be covered by commercial imports.
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