FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - IRAQ* (5 June)
A drought considered to be the worst this century, severely damaged 1999 winter crops. Total precipitation in the rainfall season from October 1998 to March 1999 was about a third of average in most parts. Water levels in major rivers fell by more than 50 percent. In addition, crop production was constrained by serious shortages of essential agricultural inputs and the widespread incidence of pests, weeds and animal diseases. Recent reports indicate that more than 4.6 million donums under cereals, about 46 percent of total cultivated area, have been severely damaged. The drought is also causing serious damage to livestock, already hit by foot and mouth disease that has so far infected more than 2.5 million animals.
The UN Secretary- General has approved the distribution plan for the sixth phase of the �Oil-for-food� deal in May, allowing Iraq to sell up to US$5.26 billion of oil over six months, to buy food, medicine and health supplies, and for emergency repairs to infrastructure.
Despite some improvement in the overall food supply situation following the implementation of the �Oil for food� deal, health and nutritional problems remain widespread in many parts. The drought conditions are anticipated to exacerbate existing food supply problems in the country
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