FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - PERU (31 May)
In coastal areas, wheat crops are being harvested and yields are expected to be average. Yellow maize is developing normally and an increase of 8 per cent from last year is forecast due both to water availability and larger plantings. In the highlands, where most peasants live, harvesting of white maize crops started in May and will continue until July. Aggregate output of the past three months indicate a fall in production of 15 per cent from last year. The rainy weather delayed the maturing and harvesting of paddy crops (65 per cent of total output is harvested from May until August), but the output is forecast at 1.9 million tonnes. Floods in Puno Province during February and March ruined about 17 000 hectares of agricultural land, and compromised the food security situation of some 30 000 people. The international community, the government and civil society organizations are providing assistance through food for work.
Import requirements in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are estimated at 1.3 million tonnes of wheat and 1 million tonnes of maize (mostly yellow).