FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - ARGENTINA (1 February)
Harvesting of the 2001 wheat crop has only been completed and output collected is provisionally estimated at between 15.3 and 15.5 million tonnes which compares to earlier official forecasts of 16.5 to 17 million tonnes. The comparatively lower output is mainly due to weeks of excess rain and flooding in some of the key growing areas which have resulted in plant disease and considerably lower than normal yields. According to official sources, it has been one of the worst flooding in living memory. The shortage in production, coupled with the serious economic crisis which is afflicting the country and its related monetary problems, could hamper exports to neighbouring countries.
The heavy rains have also affected planting of the 2001/02 maize crop. Harvest is due to start from March and early prospects are poor. Reduced plantings with respect to last year�s average level are reported, as well as anticipated below-average yields due to the likely outburst of plant diseases.