HONDURAS* (5 February)
Harvesting of 2003/04 second season cereal and bean crops is well advanced. The aggregate output of maize is forecast at about 530 000 tonnes, which is about 10 percent above the last five years average. Production of the minor sorghum crop is expected at an average level of 67 000 tonnes. 2003 paddy output is estimated at 13 600 tonnes.
Wheat and maize imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast to be slightly higher than the 250 000 tonnes and 240 000 tonnes that respectively were imported in the previous year. Declining international coffee prices continue to affect several thousand rural families in the sector. Food assistance continues to be provided by the international community, targeting women and children in municipalities with over 50 percent chronic malnutrition.