DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (26 May)
At the end of May, torrential rains and flooding caused landslides, loss of lives and displacement of about 4 000 people in the Jimani region, near the border with Haiti. Although an evaluation is not yet available, it is expected that the flooding may cause extensive damage to crops and livestock. Harvesting of the 2004 main paddy crop and planting of 2004/05 first season coarse grains have started under normal weather conditions. Official forecasts indicate that paddy output for 2004 would be about 730 000 tonnes, higher than the last five years’ average and sufficient to cover the domestic demand. Wheat imports in marketing year 2004/05 (July/June) are expected to decrease from 325 000 tonnes to 300 000 tonnes due to the high international prices and the weakness of the local currency. Maize imports in marketing year 2004/05 (July/June) are expected at the average level of 700 000 tonnes.