ECUADOR (15 February)
Planting of the 2003 main wheat crop, which is only grown in the highlands, is underway while harvesting of the 2003 first (winter crop) yellow maize crop is due to start from April. The winter maize crop is principally grown in the coastal areas of the provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabi, Guayas, Los Rios and El Oro and accounts for about 65 to 70 per cent of total annual maize production. Planting of the main paddy crop is also underway in the coastal areas of these provinces for harvesting from April. Dry weather conditions were reported for the first half of February, following modest rainfall in the previous month; however, heavy rains were registered in some of the coastal provinces in the first days of February leaving some communities in isolation. Provided normal rains resume, early prospects for the crops are good.
Wheat imports in 2002/03 marketing year (July/June) are expected to increase from 450 000 tonnes in 2001/02 (July/June) to some 460 000 tonnes. Imports of maize in 2003 (January/December) are forecast to increase from 240 000 tonnes in 2002 (January/December).
Food assistance is being distributed to refugees from Colombia, the victims of the civil strife affecting their country.