FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - MEXICO (28 May)
Harvesting of 2001 wheat is underway and output is expected to be 3.2 million tonnes, about 5 per cent lower than last year due to a lower area planted and dry weather conditions. Planting of rain-fed coarse grain crops started in April. Maize planting intentions are unchanged from last year, but if the rains are favourable this year, the maize area this summer should be about 1 million hectares higher, while output should be 2.6 million tonnes more than last year. Some 1.9 million hectares of sorghum are expected to be planted from July, representing a 4 per cent increase from last year, following an expansion in the demand from the animal feed industry. Paddy production for 2001 is forecast to remain unchanged from last year�s some 400 000 tonnes.
Imports in marketing year 2000/01 (Jul/Jun) are expected to be about 2.4 million tonnes of wheat, 5.6 million tonnes of maize and 4.2 million tonnes of sorghum. Rice import in marketing year 2000/01 are estimated at 440 000 tonnes.