FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - CHILE (3 November)
An estimated 415 000 hectares of wheat have been planted this winter compared to some 400 000 last year. The crop is reported in good conditions despite the wet winter, and production is forecast to increase by 7 percent provided normal weather conditions prevail. Planting of maize is underway and the area is forecast to increase to 90 000 hectares from 82 000 hectares last year. Low paddy prices are not making production attractive to farmers and planting intentions are forecast to decrease 27 percent from an estimated 28 000 hectares last year.
Import requirements for marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are estimated at 300 000 tonnes of wheat and 1.1 million tonnes of maize (mostly yellow). Rice imports in marketing year 2001 (Jan/Dec) are anticipated at 60 000 tonnes.