COSTA RICA (30 May)
The early arrival of seasonal torrential rains has resulted in some localized flooding, particularly in the Atlantic coastal city of Limón and its surroundings, with consequent damage to housing and road infrastructure. Heavy rains and flooding are also reported in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. Additional abundant rains are expected in the weeks ahead. Sowing of the 2003/04 first season cereal and bean crops has started. White maize planting is forecast to increase from last year’s low to an average level. The intended area planted to paddy is also anticipated to be about the average of the past five years.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast at about 200 000 tonnes, similar to the previous year. Imports of maize, mostly yellow, are also expected to remain close to 2002/03 level of 565 000 tonnes. Rice imports should be some 75 000 tonnes in 2003 (January/December). Imports of beans, an important staple in the population diet, are forecast to be about 30 000 tonnes in 2003/04 (July/June), close to the volume imported in 2002/03.