Reference Date: 11-February-2013
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FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Above average rice crop estimated in 2012
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Maize exports to increase in 2013
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Rice prices stable since November 2012
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Food insecurity is of concern in parts of the country
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Above average rice crop estimated in 2012
Planting of the 2012 dry season paddy crop is completed, under favourable weather conditions. Harvesting of the 2012 main season rice was completed in December. In aggregate, the 2012 rice output (including the main wet and the ongoing secondary dry seasons), is estimated by FAO at 3.1 million tonnes, some 3 percent up on the flood affected 2011. Generally above average rainfall during the main season and continued public assistance, which supported larger plantings, are attributed to the increase in production.
Maize exports to increase in 2013
The country is expected to remain more-or-less self sufficient in rice. However, some 320 000 tonnes of maize are likely to be exported during the 2013 marketing year (January/December). Much of the trade takes place with Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia and China.
Rice prices stable since November 2012
Prices of most consumed first and second quality glutinous rice have remained stable in Vientiane market since November 2012 averaging KIP 8 000 (about USD 1.01) and 7 000 (about USD 0.88) per kg, respectively. In July and August prices decreased markedly, following the expectations of a bumper 2012 wet season crop. However in October and November prices reversed, mainly as result of Government decision to set a minimum purchase price to support farmers’ income.
The latest available official data indicate that the overall national year-on-year consumer price index (CPI) in December 2012 was relatively low at 4.7 percent.
Food insecurity is of concern in parts of the country
In spite of the country being virtually self-sufficient in rice and a net exporter of maize at the national level, food insecure areas exist at sub-national level. Approximately 90 percent of the rural people derive their income from agricultural sector. According to the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) 2009 report, vulnerability and food insecurity is caused mainly by localized shocks.