FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - NICARAGUA (2 November)
Harvesting of first season crops was completed in September. First season crops planted in western parts of Nicaragua were affected by drought during their early stages of growth, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAGFOR) estimates that some 50 000 farmers lost approximately 73 000 hectares of maize, beans, paddy and sorghum, representing 20 percent of the total area planted to first season crops. The tight food situation of the affected families is expected to continue until November, when second season crops are due to be harvested. FAO collaborated with the Government of Nicaragua in the provision of agricultural inputs for planting 7 000 hectares of second season crops in the departments of Le�n and Chinandega. Prospects are favourable for the estimated 160 000 hectares of crops planted in August and September following normal rains during September and October. In the Caribbean coast of the country, tropical storm �Michelle� caused localized floods and damaged second season crops after four days of heavy rains. First season crops in this area were also affected by localized floods in June.