FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - PERU (15 February)
Torrential rains throughout the country have been recorded during the first week of February, with consequent heavy flooding and mudslides. Considerable damage to rural housing and infrastructure is reported in some parts, as well as minor damage to crops so far. Emergency relief assistance is being provided by the government. An appeal for international aid has been made by the government.
Planting of maize, which is grown all year around, is underway. Aggregate cereal output collected in 2001 has been a record 3.7 million tonnes, much above the five year average of 2.9 million tonnes. Production of maize was a historical high 1.3 million tonnes. Above-average outputs of 170 000 tonnes and 180 000 tonnes of wheat and barley respectively were also gathered. The important paddy crop was 2 million tonnes, some 400 000 tonnes over the average.
Despite the satisfactory outputs collected, imports of wheat and maize in marketing year 2002 (January/December) are forecast to remain at the relatively high level of 2001.