FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - IRAQ* (6 November)

IRAQ* (6 November)

Planting of the winter crops, which normally starts in the second half of October, is underway. However, production is likely to be constrained by the serious shortages of essential agricultural inputs. Three consecutive years of severe drought and inadequate availability of essential agricultural inputs have seriously affected crop and livestock production. Last year, an FAO/WFP/WHO Food Supply and Nutrition Assessment Mission found that in the most affected centre/south areas, not only were the plantings reduced, but also some 75 percent of the cropped area under wheat and barley was heavily damaged. Total cereal production in 2000, estimated at some 796 000 tonnes, was about 47 percent below 1999 and 60 percent below the average of the past 5 years.

In 2001, reports from the three Northern Governorates indicate an increased cereal crop compared to last year due to better yields. However, parts of Suleimaniyah and Erbil Governorates were affected by drought resulting in reduced harvest.

Cereal imports under the SCR 986 oil-for-food deal have led to significant improvements in the food supply situation. However, child malnutrition rates in the centre/south of the country do not appear to have improved significantly and nutritional problems remain serious and widespread.