FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 01/00 - KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (3 February)
Indications are that the area sown to winter grains (mainly wheat) for harvest in the summer of 2000 could remain stable. By 1 December, 271 000 hectares had been sown to winter crops including grains (1998: 269 000 hectares).
The 1999 grain and pulse harvest is officially put at 1.6 million tonnes, about the same as in the preceding year despite a 4 percent reduction in the area sown. Wheat production is officially estimated at 1.1 million tonnes, 8 percent less than last year, while coarse grain (maize) production increased sharply. Cereal imports, including food aid pledges amounting to 100 500 tonnes, in 1999/2000 are provisionally estimated at nearly 150 000 tonnes, mainly wheat. Import duty on wheat has been lifted temporarily to facilitate imports. At the same time the country also exports some wheat to neighbouring Uzbekistan (in payment for gas) and Tajikistan.
About half of the population is estimated to live below the poverty line and 15 percent to live in extreme poverty. The payment of wages and social benefits are often delayed and a part of the food aid is being used to make timely payments of benefits to low-income families. Official data indicate that per caput consumption of basic foodstuffs is recovering steadily. However, the availability of cash remains a major constraint, particularly in the health and education sectors.
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