FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - BURKINA FASO (6 June)
The rainy season has started on time. The first significant rains were registered in early April in the south-west. They progressed northwards in May and covered almost the entire country during the last dekad. However, precipitation was globally below average. Sowing of millet and sorghum is now underway in the south, west and south-west. Elsewhere, land preparation is underway.
No pest activity is reported. Seed availability is generally adequate following the 2001 record harvest.
The final 2001 production estimates released by the statistical services indicate that 2001 aggregate production of cereals reached a record of 3.11 million tonnes, 36 percent higher than the previous year and 28 percent above average
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied. However, above-normal cereal prices have been reported and localized food shortages may persist in areas which harvested poor crops due to early cession of the rains.