FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - MALI (6 June)
The growing season has started in the south. The first significant rains were registered in the extreme south in April. They progressed northwards and were above normal during the first and second dekads of May. They decreased during the last dekad, but remained generally adequate in May. Land preparation is underway and first sowing of millet and sorghum has started in the south. Seed availability is adequate following the 2001 good harvest. The pest situation as of mid June was calm although isolated Desert Locusts and groups of grain-eating birds have been reported in a few places.
Following well above-average cereal harvest in 2001, estimated at 2.87 million tonnes (including paddy), the overall food situation is satisfactory. Cereal import requirement in 2001/02 (November/October) is estimated at 90 000 tonnes, including 5 000 tonnes of wheat as food aid.