FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - EL SALVADOR (7 June)
Planting of the 2002/03 first (main) season maize, paddy and bean crops has started with the arrival of the first season rains from mid-April. Production of maize, the main cereal, is forecast to recover from last year when the crop was affected by severe drought. The food security situation is difficult at the moment and is expected to continue until the first season crop harvest in August. Food assistance to about 10 000 drought-affected families in 44 municipalities should continue until August. In addition, some 16 500 families, victims of last year’s February earthquakes in the same drought-affected areas, will be receiving food assistance from the international community until July. The important coffee sector continues to be affected by low international prices, thus reducing the possibility of the affected population for alternative or supplementary employment in rural areas.