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.
Land is being prepared for the forthcoming wheat and potato campaign. Water accumulated in valley reservoirs from abundant summer rains gives these crops an early good prospect. Harvesting of cereal and root crops in the highlands and valleys is under way and yields in departments not affected by floods are reported above-average. Important crop losses were observed in the northern highlands of La Paz and Oruro, mainly because of excess water in river banks and plains. In the valleys, both cereals and root tubers were also affected by water logging and hales, but yields in areas not affected are reported above-average. In the tropics, crops have reached maturity and harvest is progressing normally. Official reports indicate that there is a low availability of seeds for the forthcoming agricultural campaign.
The 2000/01 (July/June) marketing year is coming to an end, and wheat imports are estimated at about 305 000 tonnes. Wheat import requirements in the next marketing year are forecast in excess of 300 000 tonnes.
Favourable weather conditions helped the timely planting of wheat in Paran� State, which accounts for half of the country�s total area planted. The number of hectares this campaign is anticipated to be similar to last year. Summer maize harvest reached a record level and total maize production for 2001 is expected to increase by almost 7 million tonnes from last year�s average level. As a result, the country should move from being a net importer to a net exporter of maize. The area planted with safrinha maize (second season crop) is estimated to be 15 per cent smaller than last year, and may not reach one million hectares. The safrinha crop is not developing well in the northeast (Goi�s and Pernambuco) due to dry weather conditions, and production is expected to fall by 25 per cent from last year. Only scattered showers were observed during May in arid and semi-arid North and Northeast, and the outlook is not favourable. Paddy harvest is complete with an estimated production of 11 million tonnes. Wheat imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) are estimated at 7.7 million tonnes.
Moderate rains during May are helping the germination and early development of 2001 wheat in central areas. Planting intentions indicate a 6 per cent increase relative to last year. The 2001 maize harvest is complete with an estimated 720 000 tonnes. Paddy production is expected to increase 15 per cent from last year�s drought affected level and reach about 140 000 tonnes.
Import requirements for the marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are forecast at 460 000 tonnes of wheat, 1.1 million tonnes of maize (mostly yellow) and 70 000 tonnes of rice.
Rains in April signaled the start of the wet season, and planting of first season wheat, maize, sorghum, barley, rice and potatoes is under way. Official sources indicate that most Andean and Caribbean departments of the country are showing water deficits slightly below the historic average, while water is abundant in western, Amazonian and Atlantic departments. The overall weather conditions are favourable for the normal development of crops.
Imports in marketing year 2000/01 (July/June) are estimated at 1.2 million tonnes of wheat and 2.1 million tonnes of maize. Import requirements of both commodities in the next marketing year are forecast to increase by about 5 per cent.
Yellow maize and paddy crops of coastal areas develop normally thanks to moderate and evenly distributed autumn rains. In Loja, in the south, land preparation for planting second season paddy crops in August/September is under way. In the Andean departments, harvest of early maize, wheat and barley crops (planted in September) has started. In the Amazonian departments, the government declared the state of emergency after heavy rains in June caused localized floods, mudslides and forced the evacuation of more than 8 000 people. Maize production in 2001 is estimated at 770 000 tonnes (3 per cent higher than last year), and paddy output is estimated at 1.5 million tonnes.
Import requirements in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are estimated at 450 000 tonnes of wheat and 200 000 tonnes of maize.
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).
Planting intentions for 2001 wheat campaign stand at 200 000 hectares, representing a significant increase from the 120 000 hectares planted last year. The increase is due to the expectation of higher wheat prices and the high yields obtained last year. Moreover, farmers this year are expected to shift resources from beef production into agriculture following recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Barley planting intentions are also on the increase. The recently harvested maize crop is estimated at 200 000 tonnes. The Association of Rice Growers (ACA) reports that a total of 157 000 hectares of paddy were harvested, with an estimated output of 990 000 tonnes.
Heavy rains in early June left homeless some 8 000 people in the northern department of Artigas and southern Brazil. The economic situation of the area is precarious because of the suspension of trade earlier in the year to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.
Relatively dry conditions in April and moderate rains in May allowed both soil preparation and planting of the first (summer) 2001 season crop. Some 420 000 hectares of white maize, 30 000 hectares of yellow maize and 300 000 hectares of sorghum are expected to be planted this campaign. Paddy production is anticipated to increase slightly from last year and to reach 800 000 tonnes.
Both wheat and yellow maize imports in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are expected to be around 1.3 million tonnes each.