ARMENIA* (2 June)
Aggregate cereal harvest this year is estimated at about 337 000 tonnes, which is nearly 80 000 tonnes lower than the harvest in 2002. Wheat harvest is estimated at 260 000 tonnes compared with 340 000 tonnes last year. Potato harvest, an important staple crop after wheat, is seen to decline by 80 000 tonnes this year compared with 2002. An unusually cold winter with significant frost affected wheat yields, whereas orchards in most of the country have been significantly damaged. Orchards in some areas of the country are the main source of livelihood. Therefore, access to food for a large number of the population will be compromised as well as capacity to import food. Aggregate cereal utilization requirement is estimated at about 820 000 tonnes, which leaves a deficit of 354 000 tonnes. Food aid and assistance to rehabilitate orchards will be necessary to meet the deficit and restore the capacity to access food.