FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - HONDURAS (26 November)
Following an unusually long summer dry spell ("canicula"), with consequent serious damage on the first season crops, the country has been hit by heavy rains and flooding caused by the passage of Hurricane "Keith". It is reported that the capital of Tegucigalpa and neighbouring areas have been particularly affected by the rains. Planting of the 2000/01 second season coarse grain crops has been disrupted as a consequence of the phenomenon. Aggregate maize production for the year, the main cereal, is tentatively forecast to decline from the previous year’s below-average 533 000 tonnes to some 500 000 tonnes or even lower. A low paddy output is also anticipated. By contrast, production of beans, an important staple in the population diet, is so far forecast to be about average. Food assistance from the international community is being distributed to drought affected rural families. Some 86 000 people are being currently assisted. Food aid is continues to be delivered to Hurricane "Mitch" affected population.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) are expected to increase from the previous year’s 205 000 tonnes to some 210 000 tonnes, while maize imports should increase from 250 000 tonnes to about 280 000 tonnes to compensate for the loss in production. Rice imports in marketing year 2001 (January/December) are tentatively forecast at about 100 000 tonnes.
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