EL SALVADOR (30 May)
Planting of the 2003/04 first (main) season maize, paddy and bean crops has started with the arrival of the first rains from mid-May. The intended area planted to maize, the main cereal, and to sorghum should be close to the average of the past 5 years. Heavy rains are forecast in the weeks ahead and contingency measures are being adopted in various localities to cope with likely flooding and landslides. The country continues to be affected by the international coffee crisis which enters its third consecutive year. Local officials indicate the loss of about 90 000 jobs in the sector and the accumulation of massive debts by farmers. It is reported that a number of children have died from malnutrition, and the cause is largely attributed to the inability of the unemployed parents to buy the minimum amount of food required by their children. Food and health assistance continues to be delivered by the international community, in collaboration with national authorities, particularly in support of affected children.