Above-average first season rains expected to bring good harvests

Although most regions of the country experienced a delayed onset of the March to May first season rains, overall rainfall was favorable and relatively better than 2011 for most cropping areas. A good first season harvest (June-August) is expected for most cereals in bimodal areas.

Some areas in northwestern and northeastern districts and the Lake Victoria Basin experienced flooding in the lowlands in June and July, causing considerable crop damage in localized areas. Post-harvest losses are expected in these areas, as the extended rainy season is likely to affect the drying of produce.
The Karamoja region has experienced normal to above-normal rainfall, which has been favorable for improved range conditions and pasture availability. Food availability has increased as the harvest season is fully established.

The prices of most staple crops have continued to decline following the supply of first season fresh harvests. Maize and bean prices in nearly all upcountry markets have dropped significantly below last year’s prices. Notably, bean prices in June declined as much as 32 percent compared to May prices, while maize prices dropped up to 12 percent. While market supplies have considerably increased, the price declines are likely not to be sustained beyond the harvest season in September because of high local and regional demand.