FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - NAMIBIA (15 September)
Official estimates indicate a 2000 coarse grain crop of 136 000 tonnes, including 88 000 tonnes of sorghum/millet and 49 000 tonnes of maize. At this level, production almost double the reduced levels of the past two years but is still lower than the 1997 record of 166 000 tonnes. Normal to abovenormal rains since the beginning of the season caused localized floods and crop losses but, overall, resulted in higher plantings and yields.
Preliminary forecast point to a 2000 irrigated wheat crop of 4 000 tonnes, 6 percent lower than last year due to a reduction in plantings. Water levels of the dams are reported at satisfactory levels. Pastures and livestock are reported to be in fair to good conditions.
The country has a structural deficit in cereals. Import requirements in marketing year 2000/01 (April/March) are estimated considerably lower than last year at 60 000 tonnes of maize and 50 000 tonnes of wheat, to be entirely covered by commercial imports and stocks held by commercial millers. Imports of maize and wheat until the end of July amounted to 12 000 tonnes and 27 000 tonnes respectively.
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