COLOMBIA (9 February)
Heavy rains, flooding and mudslides in December caused heavy damage to housing and infrastructure, particularly in the departments of Cordoba, Antioquia, Choco and Cundinamarca. Harvesting of the 2003/04 second season cereal crops continues under normal weather conditions. In 2003, Maize output is about 1.2 million tonnes, close to the good results of the last three years, while an average output of 230 000 tonnes of sorghum is anticipated. Production of the main paddy crop is forecast to be record at 2.5 million tonnes, mainly due to the expansion of the area planted.
Wheat imports for marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast to be similar to the previous year’s level of 1.2 million tonnes and those of maize to increase to 2.2 million tonnes, due to increasing feed demand. Food assistance from the international community is being provided to the internally displaced population, victims of the persistent civil strife affecting the country.