MALAWI ( 13 February)
Most of the country experienced a delayed start of the season with the northern and central parts receiving near-normal and the south receiving much below normal cumulative rainfall. To help boost national crop production, the Government has implemented the Targeted Input Programme (TIP). An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission last April had estimated total cereal production for 2003 at 2.1 million tonnes, about the same as the five-year average. Nevertheless, it was estimated that 400 000 people will need food assistance, including local purchases, of about 30 600 tonnes in 2003/04 (April/March) marketing year, including those that experienced crop failures and those seriously affected by HIV/AIDS. However, a recent Government estimate, unconfirmed by UN agencies, puts the number of people requiring food assistance at 3.5 million and consequently the government food marketing agency, Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has began distributing maize from the Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR) at subsidized prices.