FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - ARGENTINA (30 May)
Wheat planting started under a relatively rainy and cold autumn. Rains during the period delayed soil preparation, but provided abundant soil moisture that guarantees a good germination. Area planted with wheat is expected to increase and reach 7 million hectares. The increase is due to the expectation of higher prices and a record 10 million hectares planted with soybean last summer (wheat is usually rotated with soybean). Maize harvest is almost complete and production is expected to reach 15.4 million tonnes. Paddy area planted in 2001 dropped by a third from last year, and output is anticipated to be 640 000 tonnes.