FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - EL SALVADOR (1 February)

EL SALVADOR (1 February)

Harvesting of the 2001 second season crops has been completed. Despite satisfactory outturns, production was not enough to fully recover from the drought induced losses to the first season crops. Production of maize, the main cereal, from both crops is estimated at about 565 000 tonnes, far below the 622 000 tonnes and 652 000 tonnes collected in 1996 and 1999 respectively when crops were planted and developed under normal weather conditions. Production of sorghum in 2001 has been a low 149 000 tonnes. Food assistance from the international community is being provided to the most food insecure families who suffered from the drought in the eastern departments of Usulut�n, San Miguel, Moraz�n and La Uni�n, as well as to victims of the earthquakes in early 2001.