FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - TURKMENISTAN (13 September)

The 2000 winter grain harvest reached 1.7 million tonnes, above target (1.645 million tonnes) and some 280 000 tonnes more than in 1999. The increase in mainly in response to the advances in land reform, under which most farmers are holding their land under leasehold. In an attempt to increase cereal, notably wheat, production, the area sown to winter crops was reportedly increased by almost 100 000 hectares, to 680 000 hectares, bringing some virgin land into production. In addition, substantial resources are reported to have been allocated to farmers to expand rice production, which is targetted to reach 200 000 tonnes per annum in the coming three years. Indications are that 70 000 hectares have been sown to rice and nearly US$10m million allocated to the purchase of quality seed, in an attempt to raise yield. Larger areas sown are being supported by the import of agricultural machinery. However, a shortage of irrigation water, because of the drought, which has affected Central Asia, could result in disappointing rice yields. The 2000 cotton harvest is reported to be 1.3 million tonnes, similar to last year's level.

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