FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - EL SALVADOR (22 June)
Early arrival of the rainy season benefited planting of the 1999/2000 first season cereal and bean crops last month. The outlook is good and the area planted to maize, the main cereal, is forecast to be average. However, planting in some areas is reported to have declined due to high input costs and competition by low-priced imports. The anticipated recovery from the adverse effects of hurricane “Mitch” is largely due to rehabilitation programmes implemented by the Government in collaboration with the international community. Sorghum, paddy and bean planting is expected to be average. The food supply situation is under control. Food assistance will continue to be distributed to the hurricane affected population until August/September when harvesting of the first season crop is due to start.