FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - MADAGASCAR (1 November)
Planting of the 2002 paddy and coarse grain crops has started. Normal rains in October benefited land preparation for sowing. However, the outlook is uncertain reflecting an expected decline in the area planted in response to a sharp decline in domestic prices.
The 2001 paddy output is estimated 10 to 15 percent higher than in the previous year at around 2.6 million tonnes, the highest in ten years. This is the result of generally favourable growing conditions and the absence of locusts during the growing season. The bumper crop, coupled with large carry-over stocks, have resulted in a decrease of 50 percent in the price of paddy from its level prior to the harvest.
The overall food supply situation in the 2001/02 marketing year (April/March) is anticipated to remain satisfactory, including in the drought-prone southern areas. Prices of food staples, rice, maize, cassava and Irish potato, declined in July in southern areas and the number of people in need of food assistance has declined to 117 150. Food aid requirements for these areas are estimated at 3 163 tonnes of maize.