FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - BURUNDI* (6 June)
Harvest of 1999 second (B) season foodcrops is underway. Prospects are unfavourable as rains started one month late and ceased earlier than normal. Beans in highland areas were particularly affected. Frosts in March and armyworms in parts, particularly in the north, also negatively affected maize yields.
As a result, production is anticipated to decline compared to last year’s B season. Bean production is expected to decline by a quarter. Since most of the annual cereal and beans production is obtained in this season, the supply of grains is anticipated to be tight in the second half of the year. The 1999 A season crops, harvested earlier, was also reduced by dry weather.