FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - GUATEMALA (6 November)
Torrential rains and flooding due to Hurricane "Keith" have affected food and cash crops in the southern coastal areas, particularly in Santa Rosa, Escuintla, Suchitepequez, Rehalhuleu and San Marcos. A detailed assessment of damage has not been made yet, but damage is reported to crops such as bananas and sesame, as well as to livestock. Important localized losses are reported, in some cases reaching 80 per cent of expected crops Damage has been inflicted to the 2000/01 second season maize crop, which had just been planted, and to the remaining first season crop areas that had not been harvested. Aggregate maize production (both crops) is expected to decline but a slightly below-average output should still be gathered. Some food assistance continues to be distributed through reconstruction projects (food for work) following the passage of hurricane "Mitch" in late 1998.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (November/October) are forecast to increase from the previous year�s 380 000 tonnes to about 390 000 tonnes. Maize imports are likely to increase from last year�s 550 000 tonnes to compensate for the losses incurred in production.
Rice imports in marketing year 2001 (January/December) are anticipated to be closely similar to this year�s some 30 000 tonnes.
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