Harvesting of the 1997/98 first season maize and bean crops is about to start. The early arrival of the dry warm period, called “la canicula”, is attributed to “El Niño” and has had some negative effect on the developing grain crops and pastures in some areas of the south. Important localized crop losses are reported in the depressed Choluteca and Valle regions, and the zones around Francisco Morazán, El Paraíso and La Paz. A detailed assessment of the losses incurred had not yet been made. The government has initiated a series of measures to cope with the impact of the phenomenon, among them the coordinated effort with the private industry for the construction of wells and water reservoirs. Production of maize, the main cereal, is forecast so far to remain close to last year’s low output.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1997/98 (July/June) should increase from 175 000 tons in the previous year to about 195 000 tons, largely in line with population growth. Maize imports are also expected to increase from the relatively high level of 145 000 tons to 175 000 tons, reflecting the steady domestic demand and the need to cover production losses. Rice imports in 1997 (January/December) should be about 46 000 tons compared to 32 000 tons in 1996. This is partly attributed to the increasing preference for higher quality rice.