Some 30 million livestock in Mongolia, which play a fundamental role in the nutritional status of the majority of the population, continue to be seriously stressed by harsh winter conditions. Temperatures in December 2001 were much below normal and below those of the previous year which, combined with heavy snowfall, brought further suffering to vulnerable pastoralists. Large numbers of their animals have died as a result of three harsh winters and the poor pastures caused by overgrazing and very dry weather last summer. These conditions have forced many families, into urban centres where there is already unemployment and few social services to support them.

Wheat is virtually the only cereal grown in the country. Production has declined progressively over the past years mainly due to structural changes in the economy. From an area of 650 000 hectares and a production of some 700 000 tonnes in the early 1990’s, only 290 000 hectares were planted in 2001 with an output of 191 000 tonnes. Planting of the 2002 wheat crop is about to start and harvesting will take place in September. Provisionally, production is forecast to remain unchanged from last year at some 190 000 tonnes. This covers only about 50 percent of domestic wheat utilization, leaving an estimated import requirement for 2001/02 of 202 000 tonnes. Imports of 32 000 tons of rice are also foreseen. The food aid need is 40 000 tonnes of which 31 000 tonnes have been pledged and delivered.