FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - COLOMBIA (7 June)
Normal to above-normal precipitation in April has benefited planting of the 2002/03 first season cereal crops starting from May. The area planted to wheat is expected to remain similar to that of the previous year’s average, while that of maize, the main cereal, is forecast to increase from 2001 in response to the government’s technical and extension support programme for farmers. Planting of the 2002 rainfed and irrigated paddy crops is well advanced, particularly the rainfed crop, and intended plantings are forecast to be similar to the 2001 slightly above-average crop. Production of rice will not be enough to meet domestic demand for this important staple and some 120 000 tonnes will be required as imports in 2002.
Food assistance from the international community is being provided in various parts of the country to the internally displaced population, victims of the civil strife affecting the nation.