Prospects remain satisfactory for the 2000 winter grain crops and early harvesting is reported to be underway in some parts. Latest official forecasts put the 2000 wheat crop at 22.2 million tonnes, down 600 000 tonnes from the June forecast and about 2 million tonnes from last year's record output, but still the third biggest crop on record. Barley production is seen to rise 32 percent from last year's reduced crop to 5.6 million tonnes. The largest threat to the crops, which could alter the current outlook is an, as yet, largely unhatched locust plague, which spreads from western New South Wales (NSW) through to southern parts of the national wheat belt and into Western Australia. It is reported that up to 1.5 million hectares of crop land are infested with eggs. The first hatchings are reported to have begun in western NSW, and the situation here, and throughout the whole of the affected area continues to be closely monitored. Assuming adequate and successful control of the locust threat in the remainder of the season, the expected grain output should be achieved. The 2000 paddy season is complete and the output is officially estimated at about 1.1 million tonnes, 21 percent down from 1999's exceptional crop.
The country has received normal to above-normal rains this year, which has benefited crops, mainly roots and tubers, and harvest prospects are favourable so far. A strong recovery is also in prospect for the taro crop, the main staple crop and a major source of export revenues, which was wiped out by the Taro leaf blight between 1994 and 1996. The new and more resistant varieties now planted by farmers appear to be doing well and a strong comeback of taro is already noted in the local markets. The experience has also prompted farmers to diversify farming crops extensively to include other agricultural crops such as taamu, yams, cassava and breadfruit to meet the local demand.
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