FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - CUBA ( 16 June)
Delayed but well distributed rains throughout May benefited the development of minor food crops and planting of the spring (main) paddy and maize crops currently underway. No disruption was caused to 2001/02 winter (irrigated) paddy crop presently being harvested. Production of paddy in 2002 is early forecast at 340 000 tonnes, a slight increase from 2001 volume of 330 000 tonnes. Rice imports between 470 000 and 480 000 tonnes would nevertheless be required in marketing year 2003 (January/December) to meet domestic demand for this important staple. Harvesting of the important sugar cane crop has extended into May due to fuel shortages and other inputs. Production is provisionally estimated at 3.6 million tonnes, below the 4 million tonnes officially forecast at the start of the harvest in November last year, but still above the 3.5 million tonnes collected in 2001.