FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - NICARAGUA (11 September)

Harvesting of the 2000/01 first season cereal and bean crops is underway. The country has been affected by an unusually severe summer dry spell ("canícula") with consequent damage to crops, particularly maize. Preliminary official figures indicate that some 27 000 hectares of maize have been affected in the nation as a whole, which represent about 14 per cent of the total area planted to maize. But localized losses, particularly in León and Madriz in the north, far exceed the latter figure. Serious damage is equally reported for the important bean crop. Some damage to the sorghum crop is also reported. About 2 200 hectares of rainfed paddy were affected, which is the equivalent of some 3 to 4 percent of the area planted to paddy. Below-average coarse grain and bean outputs are thus anticipated, while that of paddy is forecast to be slightly below average. Food assistance from the international community is being distributed to the drought affected population, as well as it continues to be delivered to hurricane "Mitch" victims.

Wheat imports in 2000/01 marketing year (July/June) are forecast to be about 100 000 tonnes, closely similar to the previous year. Maize imports are expected to increase from last year's some 75 000 tonnes in order to help cover production losses.

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