FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - THAILAND (2 June)
Early and widespread heavy showers over most parts of the country during April and May, significantly increased irrigation supplies for main-season rice and maize, though slowed harvesting of the second-season rice crop. Heavier showers in western parts caused some flooding. Overall, higher than normal rainfall during the dry season favoured the second season rice crop, now being harvested. Official reports indicate that production from the second rice crop will be around 4.5 million tonnes, compared to 3.8 million tonnes estimated earlier.
In anticipation of a better second season crop, the rice export target for 1999 was recently increased to 5.5 million tonnes from an earlier target of 5.3 million tonnes. In the first four months of the year, however, rice exports were 23 percent lower than in the same period last year. Around 1.83 million tonnes of rice was exported between January-April, compared to 2.37 million tonnes in the corresponding period in 1998.
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