AFGHANISTAN* (10 February)
Latest reports and satellite imagery indicate significantly high precipitation throughout the country and snow cover over the mountains. This year the southern parts of the country have also received improved precipitation, after below-average levels last year. The high levels of precipitation and relative peace in the northern areas has prompted farmers to plant marginal lands and pastures with cereals, raising environmental concerns. It is too early to predict the aggregate harvest for this year, but there are good signs indicating that it will nearly match last year’s record cereal harvest of about 5.5 million tonnes. Aggregate import requirements for the current marketing year (July/June) are estimated at 506 000 tonnes, including 114 000 tonnes in food aid.
Access to food for many vulnerable households has remained difficult, and targeted food assistance continues to be necessary for a large number of households. The current Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO), which began in April 2003 is expected to come to an end by March 2005 and will target some 9.24 million people with a total of 619 000 tonnes of food aid. This PRRO includes three main components, Food for Work, Food for Education and targeting vulnerable households including IDPS and returning refugees.