FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - MADAGASCAR (2 June)
Harvesting of the 1999 main rice crop is well advanced. Prospects are favourable despite delayed rains and prolonged dry spells in some central areas. Overall, rainfall has been generally abundant during the season. Heavy rains in southwestern parts resulted in localized floods but overall benefited crop development. The incidence and negative impact of cyclones have been limited this season. Similarly, the locust situation has been generally calm. Control measures, coordinated by the Government and FAO teams, considerably restricted the impact of locust on crops. 1999 rice output is expected to be higher than last year.
The food supply situation is expected to improve during the 1999/2000 marketing year (April/March), particularly in drought-prone southern areas, where the price of rice increased last year. For the first time in recent years no department in the south will be classified as being in serious food supply difficulty.
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