FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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2011 maize production above average despite second season losses
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Bean prices drop with the “de postrera” harvest
Good grain production in 2011 despite losses caused by torrential rainfall in October
The 2010-11 second and third season crops (the “de postrera” and “de apante” seasons) are currently being harvested under favourable weather conditions. Last October the country was hit by tropical depression 12-E, which brought torrential rainfall causing localized crop losses in the “de postrera” season. Estimated losses include 16 000 tonnes of beans and 45 000 tonnes of maize (6 percent of annual production), as well as 10 000 tonnes of sorghum and 4 000 tonnes rice. To mitigate the impact of these losses, the Government provided incentives for re-sowing maize and beans by making agricultural inputs available. This should make it possible to harvest additional 24 000 tonnes of maize and 3 900 tonnes of beans. As a result of the re-sowing and good harvest obtained in the main season, total maize production in 2011 (main, second and third seasons) is forecast at 786 million tonnes, slightly above both last year's level and the average of the last five years.
FAO launched a program to support farmers affected by the rains, by providing bean and vegetable seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and metal containers for food storage, for a total value of USD 400 000.
The Government also authorized duty-free importation of 2 300 tonnes of maize and 1 150 tonnes of beans, to guarantee supplies to the population and keep prices stable on local market.