KAZAKHSTAN (6 February)
Latest reports indicate an increase in areas planted with winter cereals this year to 755 000 hectares compared with 560 000 hectares in 2002/03. Harsh weather conditions in some parts of the country have reportedly compromised some winter cereals, which could result in significantly lower yields. However, much of the failed winter crop area is usually replanted in spring. Spring cereals are the most important crops, accounting for more than 94 percent of the aggregate cereal area. Kazakhstan has emerged as an important supplier in the cereal export market, providing much of the cereal deficit in neighbouring CIS and other countries. Aggregate cereal exports in 2002/03 marketing year were estimated at about 6.2 million tonnes, and estimates for the current marketing year stand at about 6.34 million tonnes.