FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Early prospects for 2012 winter cereal crops uncertain
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Cereal production recovered significantly in 2011
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Cereal exports are expected to increase considerably in 2011/12 marketing year (July/June)
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Cereal prices rose in February
Uncertain prospects for the 2012 winter cereal crops
Dry weather during autumn reduced the area planted of the 2012 winter wheat and barley crops, estimated some 3 percent below the level of the same season last year. The dry weather was followed by low temperatures and severe frosts in January and February, which coupled with limited snow cover, have resulted in higher than normal winterkill, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. According to official information only 63 percent of the winter cereals are reported in good and satisfactory conditions. Although replanting with spring wheat is expected, at this stage the 2012 wheat output is forecast to fall from last year’s above average level.
Cereal production recovered significantly in 2011
A bumper cereal harvest was obtained in 2011 following favourable weather conditions during the agriculture season. The output was estimated at a well above average level of 55.4 million tonnes, compared with a reduced crop of 39 million tonnes in 2010. A significant increase was recorded in wheat production, estimated at 22.3 million tonnes, while maize output reached a record level of 22 million tonnes and barley production was put at 9.1 million tonnes.