EL SALVADOR* (12 May)
Planting of the important 2004/05 first season maize, paddy and bean crops has started with the arrival of the first rains from the beginning of May. Early official forecast indicates that the area planted with cereal and bean crops will be similar to the previous year. Area planted to sorghum is expected to increase from 88 000 hectares to 95 000 hectares due to the implementation of a scheme of guaranteed prices.
The important coffee sector continues to be affected by low international prices, with negative impact on rural economy systems and nutritional situation. Food assistance continues to be delivered by the international community, targeting in particular children living in the rural and urban areas of the country’s most food insecure departments like Ahuachapán, Chalatenango, Cabañas and Morazán.