JAPAN (2 June)
Paddy production in 2002 is officially estimated to fall by 1.9 percent from the previous year to 11.11 million tones, reflecting a 1.1 percent reduction in the area planted and a slight decrease in yields. Planting of the 2003 rice crop started in May, for harvest in October-November.
Maize utilization in 2003/04 is forecast to increase to 16.4 million tonnes from 16.3 million tonnes a year earlier due to a slight increase in demand in the livestock sector. However, maize imports in 2003/04 are projected down to 16.2 million tonnes from 16.5 million tonnes last year due to large carry-in stocks. Japan is the world’s largest maize importer.