BANGLADESH (6 March)
The outlook for the boro irrigated paddy crop, planted from late-November into January and to be harvested from mid-April, is favourable reflecting adequate availability of agricultural inputs. Generally good post-monsoon rainfall has had a positive effect on the current crop. The boro harvest, that normally accounts for some 45 percent of the total paddy production, is forecast at some 19.5 million tonnes. Together with the Aus and Aman crops harvested last August and December respectively, aggregate paddy production in 2002/03 marketing year (July/June) is forecast at a record 38.5 million tonnes, equivalent to 25.7 million tonnes of milled rice. This level of production would be 1.8 percent higher than the previous year and 14 percent more than the average for the preceding five years. Reflecting a 7 percent rise in the area sown, wheat output in 2002 is estimated to increase by 9 percent to 1.75 million tonnes the year before.
Reflecting adequate level of government-held food grain stocks and good harvest prospects, the overall food supply situation remains satisfactory. Nevertheless, the import requirement in the marketing year ending June 2003 is expected to rise, by some 0.3 million tonnes, to 2.4 million tonnes (1.7 million tonnes of wheat and rice 0.7 million tonnes of rice and maize 0.1 million tonnes).
About 700 people were reported to have died due to the month long cold spell in January 2003. Flood victims and vulnerable groups continue to require food relief.