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.
Normal rainfall in December in the highlands and highland valleys has benefited the development of the recently planted 2001/02 first (main) cereal and potato crops. Slightly below-normal rains are reported in the eastern parts, but without disruption to crops thanks to adequate reservoir levels. Livestock and pastures are reported in good conditions. The area planted is estimated at the average level of the past 5 years. Harvesting is due to start from April and early prospects are good assuming normal weather conditions persist.
Harvesting of the 2001 wheat crop has been recently completed and output collected has been an above-average 3 million tonnes. A higher outturn had been earlier forecast but heavy rains in November in the key producing areas of Parana and Rio Grande do Sul damaged the crops.
Harvesting of the first (main) season maize crop is about to start in the important southern producing states of Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, while planting of the second season crop (�zafrihna�) has started in the north and north-east areas of the country. A bumper 38.5 million tonnes is initially forecast from both crops. Damage incurred to the first season crop by dry weather at planting (August 2001) is expected to be offset by increased plantings in the second season crop. Expanding exports have been a key incentive in farmers� decision to enlarge the area planted to maize.
Harvesting of the 2002 paddy crop has recently started and an above-average production of some 11 million tonnes is tentatively forecast.
Weather conditions have benefited the development of the 2001 wheat crop. Harvesting is well advanced and output is tentatively forecast at a near record 1.8 million tonnes. Growing conditions are also adequate for the 2002 maize crop. Harvesting is due to start from March and an average output is provisionally forecast.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2001/02 (December/November) are expected to decline from the previous year�s 580 000 tonnes to some 300 000 tonnes, while maize imports in 2002/03 (February/January) should remain close to the previous year�s volume of 1.1 million tonnes.
Harvesting of the 2001/02 second season cereal crops, principally maize and sorghum, is underway and above-average outputs from both cereals are anticipated, reflecting enlarged plantings and improved yields, particularly for sorghum.
Food assistance from the international community is being provided to the internally displaced population, victims of the civil strife affecting the country.
Planting of the 2002 maize crop has been completed virtually in most of the country. An increase in the area planted with respect to the previous year is reported. Harvesting is due to start from May and, assuming normal weather conditions, maize output is expected to increase for the third consecutive year. Planting of the important first paddy crop has been virtually completed in the main producing provinces of Guavas, Loa, Los Rio and Guanaco. Harvesting is due to start from April but the bulk of the crop should be harvested in May. An above-average output is also anticipated.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) should decline from some 494 000 tonnes in the previous year to about 450 000 tonnes, mainly as a result of large carry-over stocks from the precedent year. Maize imports in 2002 (January/December) is forecast to about 200 000 tonnes, close to the volume imported in 2001.
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.
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.
Harvesting of the 2001 maize crop has been just completed and output is provisionally estimated at a record 1.4 million tonnes, compared to the past 5-year average of 1.1 million tonnes. Production of sorghum in 2001, by contrast, was slightly below average while an average paddy output was collected.