NICARAGUA (18 September)
Normal to abundant rains, typical of the hurricane season, are being reported over most of the country. Heavy rains were also reported in August, particularly in the localities of Nandaime, Masatepe, Estelí and Jinotega, but no damage to crops has been reported so far. Harvest of the 2003/04 first-season cereal and bean crops is well advanced, while planting of the second-season crop (postrera) has only just started. Production of maize, the main cereal, from the first crop is forecast at a high 335 000 tonnes. An average sorghum output is also forecast. A good first-crop bean production of almost 38 000 tonnes is expected. Food assistance from the international community (WFP’s Protracted Relief and Recovery Operations 10212.0) is being provided and should continue until February 2006. The assistance is targeted at families, particularly women and children, affected by natural disasters and the recurrent economic shocks of the past five years. The number of people to benefit from this assistance is estimated at about 150 000 per year.