DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (14 February)
Harvest of the 2002/03 second season coarse grains and paddy have been virtually completed. Production of maize is estimated at an average 32 000 tonnes while that of paddy at a record 740 000 tonnes. The increase in paddy output is principally due to the government policy to make the country self-sufficient in rice production and thus eliminate the need for imports of this important staple. Financial incentives were provided, as well as minimum prices guaranteed to producers. Production has by far exceeded domestic demand of some 390 000 tonnes to 400 000 tonnes, and surplus rice stocks are reported which are expensive to maintain. Exports to neighbouring countries are anticipated.
Land is being prepared for planting of the 2003/04 first coarse grain crops from March, while planting of the 2003 first paddy crop is underway. Intended plantings of paddy are forecast to decrease from the 2002 record level.