BOLIVIA (15 February)
Heavy rains and flooding during January and the first half of February in the main producing eastern Department of Santa Cruz, have affected the developing 2003 crops. Heavy rains and flooding in January were also reported in the vicinity of La Paz with similar adverse effect on the crops. By contrast, a severe drought in January was reported in the valleys of the central Department of Cochabamba and southern Department of Chuquisaca. Damage to the recently planted wheat and coarse grain crops has been registered. It is officially reported that more than 34 350 hectares of farm land has been affected by the adverse weather. A state of emergency has been declared by the government and food from the international community is presently being distributed to the vulnerable groups. Prospects are uncertain for the 2003 first season wheat and coarse grains to be harvested from March.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at 250 000 tonnes, similar to the previous year’s volume.