VENEZUELA (10 February)
Although maize is planted all year round, the bulk of harvesting of the 2003 (mainly white) maize crop has been completed in December and an above-average output of about 1.6 million tonnes is provisionally estimated. This result is mainly due to the positive impact on yields of favourable weather conditions in the main growing area of Guarico. On the contrary, 2003 paddy production is provisionally estimated at about 0.6 million tonnes, below the average production of 0.7 million tonnes. This result is close to previous year’s output that was also affected by a reduction in planting area due the insufficient irrigation water in the state of Guarico.
Wheat and maize imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are expected to reach 1.2 million tonnes and 500 000 tonnes respectively.