FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - PERU (20 April)
Heavy rains and flooding in northern parts, particularly in the Department of Piuras, have affected thousands of people and left hundreds homeless. It is officially reported that the paddy and cotton crops have suffered some damage. Planting of the 2002 wheat crop has been completed and harvesting is due to start from May. A modest increase in the area planted compared to 2001 is reported. Production is forecast early at an above-average 190 000 tonnes. The bulk of the white maize crop has been planted (August – December 2001) and a small decline in the area planted with respect to 2001 is reported. A decline in yellow maize plantings for the same period is also being reported. Yellow maize, as well as white maize, are planted virtually all year around, although the bulk of sowing operations for the latter type is concentrated from August to January. Yellow maize plantings in the following months are nevertheless expected to increase and exceed the above-average level reached in 2001. The area planted to irrigated paddy for the same period August– December 2001 shows a significant increase with respect to 2001 and represents, on the average, about 40 per cent of the annual plantings. An increase in total plantings relative to 2001 is presently forecast.