FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - BOLIVIA (30 May)
Land is being prepared for the forthcoming wheat and potato campaign. Water accumulated in valley reservoirs from abundant summer rains gives these crops an early good prospect. Harvesting of cereal and root crops in the highlands and valleys is under way and yields in departments not affected by floods are reported above-average. Important crop losses were observed in the northern highlands of La Paz and Oruro, mainly because of excess water in river banks and plains. In the valleys, both cereals and root tubers were also affected by water logging and hales, but yields in areas not affected are reported above-average. In the tropics, crops have reached maturity and harvest is progressing normally. Official reports indicate that there is a low availability of seeds for the forthcoming agricultural campaign.
The 2000/01 (July/June) marketing year is coming to an end, and wheat imports are estimated at about 305 000 tonnes. Wheat import requirements in the next marketing year are forecast in excess of 300 000 tonnes.