FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - NICARAGUA (6 November)
Planting of the 2000/01 second season coarse grain and bean crops has only been completed. Some of the small farmers’ crops, particularly those grown in the western departments of Chinandega and León, were affected by the heavy rains and flooding caused by Hurricane "Keith". Maize output, the main cereal, for the year is provisionally forecast at a below- average level, as the first season crops had already been affected by an unusually long summer dry spell ("canicula"). Production of beans, an important staple in the population’s diet, is also forecast to be below average. Food assistance from the international community is presently being distributed to the drought affected rural population. Some 94 000 people are being assisted. Food assistance also continues to be delivered to Hurricane "Mitch" victims.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) are forecast to be about 100 000 tonnes, similar to the previous year. Maize imports are expected to increase from some 75 000 tonnes to about 85 000 tonnes to compensate principally for the drought induced losses in production.
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