PERU (15 February)
Heavy rains and flooding were reported in early February in the southeastern parts of the country, particularly in the departments of Cusco, Madre de Dios and Puno. A number of casualties and considerable damage to housing and infrastructure was reported. A state of emergency has been declared in some of the regions and relief is being provided to the affected population. Planting of the 2003 wheat crop, a soft type mainly grown in the highlands for local consumption and not valid for milling, is underway. Early forecasts indicate that the area planted should be about the same as last year’s above-average level. Planting of the 2003 yellow maize crop is underway while the bulk of the planting of white maize has been completed. Both white and yellow maize are grown all year around, principally along the coast and the eastern slopes of the Andean mountain range. Total maize plantings are expected to be close to the record level of 560 000 hectares reached in 2002. Water reservoir levels for planting of the 2003 irrigated paddy crop are considered adequate in the major producing areas of Lambayeque and Piura in the north. Sowing operations are underway for harvesting from May.
Similar to the level of imports in 2002 wheat imports in 2003 are forecast to be about 1.3 million tonnes. Maize imports in 2003 are expected to remain unchanged at 1 million tonnes.