NICARAGUA* (5 February)
Harvesting of the 2003/04 second season postrera maize cropand beans has been completed and harvesting of the small third apante crop, mainly in the departments on the Atlantic coast (Región V, Rios San Juan and Región Autonoma del Atlántico Norte), is due to start in March. In aggregate, the 2003 maize output is expected to reach a record level of about 529 000 tonnes. Production of beans, an important food staple, is also forecast to be record at 180 000 tonnes.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 are forecast at average 120 000 tonnes. The coffee crisis is still affecting the country, especially the main growing departments of Matagalpa, Jinotega and Las Segovias, with negative impact on food security. Food assistance from the international community continues to be delivered, particularly through school feeding programs.