Moderate to heavy rains are reported for the Caribbean coastal regions with the possibility of increased precipitation with the advance of the hurricane season. Planting of the 2002 second season cereal crops is being accelerated in anticipation of the heavier rains. In the Andean mountains range, light to moderate rains are benefiting sowing of the cereal and other food crops. In the Pacific coastal areas, where planting is also underway, heavy rains are reported in the north but diminishing in intensity towards the south. In the eastern Orinoquia and Amazonia regions, heavy rains are reported in the former, while in the latter region adequate levels of moisture are reported for the crops. Harvesting of the 2002 first season cereal crops is about to be completed in some of the regions, while planting of the second season crops should, in general, continue until the end of the year. Early production prospects are good and average outputs are anticipated.
Food assistance from the international community continues to be provided in various parts of the country to the internally displaced population, victims of the civil strife affecting the nation.