FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - PERU (11 September)
Dry weather prevails over most of the country, with exception of the northeastern departments of Loreto, Amazonas and San Martin, where normal to abundant rains are reported. The bulk of the 2000 wheat crop has been collected and output is provisionally estimated at an above-average 160 000 tonnes. Harvesting of the 2000 white maize crop is well advanced and output gathered in the first seven months of the year is estimated at about 254 000 tonnes which compares to 222 000 collected during the same period the year before. Harvesting operations of the yellow maize crop continue and about 565 000 tonnes have been gathered (January/July) compared to 482 000 tonnes at the same time the year before. A considerably above-average output (white and yellow maize) for the year is forecast. Paddy output is expected to decline from 1999 record level but should nevertheless remain at an above-average level.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2001 (January December) should slightly increase from the previous year's volume of 1 250 000 tonnes. Maize imports in 2001 (January/December) are forecast to be closely similar to this year's some 650 000 tonnes. Rice imports in 2001 (January/December) should also be closely similar to the volume of 350 000 tonnes which are provisionally estimated in 2000.