FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - TURKMENISTAN (4 September)

Regional drought and irrigation water shortages for two years in succession are seen to result in significantly lower crop production this year than in 2000. Official estimates put winter wheat at 2 million tonnes from an area of 775 000 hectares, respectively about 17 percent and 10 percent higher than last year. The increase in area is not matched by similar reduction in official estimates of area under other crops such as cotton or virgin lands coming under cultivation. In addition, reservoirs fed by the Amu Darya, providing nearly 90 percent of the country�s irrigation needs, have been significantly lower than the previous year, while the Murghab river supplying irrigation water to Mary province have been virtually dry for most part of the cropping season this year.

FAO, therefore, tentatively forecasts grain output at about 1.5 million tonnes, similar to its estimates of 2000, including 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, 50 000 tonnes of barley, 20 000 tonnes of maize and 20 000 tonnes of rice. Grain production kept pace with last year due to some increase in area under wheat. The worst affected areas are once again Mary province (bordering Iran and Afghanistan) and Dashagouz (bordering Karaklpakstan region of Uzbekistan). The cereal import requirement for 2000/01 is estimated at about 40 000 tonnes. Despite preliminary reports on food shortages and concerns over the tight food supply situation in the country, the government has not appealed for any international assistance.