FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• High cereal and bean production in 2011

• Maize and bean prices low and stable

High cereal and bean production in 2011

Harvesting of the 2011/12 third (“de apante”) season crops, which accounts for about 10 percent of annual production of maize and 35 percent of beans, is about to start. Sowing operations were disrupted by heavy rainfall in January associated with the “la Niña” phenomenon. Harvesting of the secondary “de postrera” maize season, which represents about 30 percent of annual production, has just been completed, and it is provisionally estimated to be 13 percent up on the same season in 2010, despite crop damage caused by excessive rainfall in October. In some areas, however, the losses were more than offset by higher yields. Total maize production in 2011 (the “de primera”, “de postrera” and “de apante” crops) is estimated at 570 000 tonnes, 12 percent above the 2010 levels, and 10 percent above the average of the last five years, mainly as a result of a larger sown area and yields of the main “de primera” crop.

Rice production is estimated at 500 000 tonnes, 10 percent above the 2010 levels, following producer support programs.

Red bean production in 2011 is forecast to be 35 percent higher than the small 2010 harvest; and production in 2011 is expected to cover national consumption, as well as provide a surplus for export to markets in Central America and the United States.