JAPAN (10 February)
The main rice crop that was sown in May–June 2003 was harvested in October–November; the wheat crop sown in September–October will be collected in June–July 2004. The 2003 paddy output has been estimated at 9.7 million tonnes, the lowest level since 1993, reflecting reduced planting areas and unfavourable weather, including an unusually cool summer.
The import requirement for cereals in 2003/04 (July/June) is estimated at 26.4 million tonnes (coarse grains 19.9 million tonnes, wheat 5.9 million tonnes, rice 0.7 million tonnes). The Japanese Government has agreed to keep the government rice production target for 2004 unchanged from 2003 at 8.54 million tonnes.