FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - URUGUAY (1 February)
Harvesting of the 2001 wheat and barley crops has been recently completed, following some year end disruptions caused by the heavy rains that seriously affected the southern areas of the sub-region. Wheat output is provisionally estimated at about 400 000 tonnes, a significant increase from last year’s poor results but still below average. An above-average barley output has been gathered, mainly reflecting enlarged plantings with respect to the previous year. Harvesting of the important paddy crop is due to start from March. Prospects are favourable due to the accumulation of soil moisture; however, the area planted is some 7 percent below last year’s level and output is tentatively forecast to be slightly below average.