NICARAGUA (30 May)
Early seasonal rains have been reported since mid-May, but the rains have been irregular and ill distributed. Planting of the 2003/04 first season cereal and bean crops is about to start. Average to above-average plantings of maize, the main cereal, and sorghum are tentatively forecast. The area planted to paddy is also anticipated to be above-average. Food assistance from the international community continues to be provided to rural households affected by the crisis in the coffee sector. Large numbers of coffee plantation workers continue to be unemployed. International assistance is also focused on the prevention of increased malnutrition among children.