FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - URUGUAY (5 November)
An estimated 150 000 hectares of wheat and 115 000 hectares of barley have been planted this winter, representing an increase of 22 and 27 percent respectively from last year. Both crops developed normally during winter due to cold and rainy weather, but heavy rains in October and moderate temperatures have more recently favoured crop diseases. The heavy rains have also delayed land preparation for the forthcoming 2002 summer crops, although prospects are favourable due to the accumulated water in the soils. The area planted to paddy is forecast to decrease 7 percent from the 190 000 hectares planted last year.