FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - LAOS (4 June)
Planting of the main rainfed paddy crop is underway and will continue until late July. Aggregate paddy production in 2001 is estimated at 2.4 million tonnes, unchanged from the previous year and slightly above average. While this level of production virtually covers national consumption requirements, poor sections of the population in upland areas and people in the flood-prone areas who suffered crop losses have inadequate access to rice, are chronically food insecure and thus in need of food and other assistance. WFP is providing relief through both work for food projects and emergency operations.