KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (2 June)
Preliminary estimates point to about 1.85 million tonnes of cereal harvest this year, which compares with the significantly improved harvest of 1.9 million tonnes in 2002. This aggregate includes some 1.2 million tonnes of wheat and 573 000 tonnes of coarse grains (barley and maize). The government had hoped for a bumper crop this year, but harsh weather conditions in winter compromised significant cereal areas, in particular wheat. Cereal import requirement in 2003/04 marketing year is estimated at 179 000 tonnes, mainly milling wheat, which will be commercially procured. Whereas cereal exports are estimated at 40 000 tonnes.