FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - LAOS* (25 May)
Pre-monsoon rain benefited field preparations for the planting of the wet season rice season, which is expected to start in June for harvest in September/October. Assuming normal weather conditions forecast for paddy production in 2001 is put at 2.3 million tonnes, similar to the output level achieved last year. Despite some improvements in food production in recent years, targeted food assistance is still required for people affected by last year’s floods.
In September 2000 an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission found that in keeping with the Government's strong emphasis on agricultural development in recent years, there has been appreciable growth in rice output due to increased adoption of high yielding varieties and an increase in the area under irrigated dry season farming. In addition, in spite of the floods during the last wet season, rainfall overall was satisfactory, resulting in generally favourable production. Based on official data for 2000 wet season production and a tentative forecast for the 2001 dry season, the Mission projected milled rice production for the current marketing year at some 1.28 million tonnes. With bilateral programme food aid and pledged emergency food assistance, total rice availability will amount to approximately 1.30 million tonnes, which would entirely cover estimated utilisation needs.