FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - BULGARIA (17 June)
Latest indications point to a significant increase in cereal output this year as a result of increased plantings, an increase in the use of fertilizer and generally favourable weather conditions for the season. Official reports indicate that winter wheat plantings increased by about 100 000 hectares last autumn to 1.15 million hectares. Output is now forecast to exceed 4 million tonnes and could reach as much as 4.5 million tonnes according to some opinions. The area sown to maize this spring is reported to have declined for the second year in succession as farmers have been put off the crop by drought losses in the past two years. Thus, even if yields return to normal levels maize output could remain close to the reduced level of the past two years.