FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - MADAGASCAR (6 November)
Above-normal rains in northern and central parts in the third dekad of October provided adequate soil moisture for planting of the main 2001 paddy crop. However, the southern maize growing areas remain dry. More rains are needed in these parts to avoid reduction in the area planted.
The 2000 cereal crop season was negatively affected by three cyclones during the growing season and severe drought in southern parts. Paddy output was estimated close to 2.2 million tonnes, 15 percent less than the good crop of 1999. Maize production declined 22 percent to 140 000 tonnes.
The overall food supply situation is tight reflecting the reduced 2000 harvest. Import requirements in marketing year 2001 (April/March) have increased considerably to 518 000 tonnes, most of which is expected to be covered commercially. The situation is particularly difficult in the vulnerable southern region, where 240 000 people who lost their crops to dry weather are estimated in need of food assistance. In this region, prices of basic staple maize, rice and cassava have increased sharply in the past months and are well above their levels of last year. Distress selling of livestock and movements of population in search of food and labour opportunities are reported in some districts.
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