BURUNDI* (28 July)
A recent Ministry of Agriculture/Ministry of Health/FAO/WFP/UNICEF assessment mission at local level, estimated the 2003 B foodcrops at 176 000 tonnes of cereals and 184 000 tonnes of pulses, a decline of 3 percent and 1 percent from last year’s same season respectively. Production of roots and tubers decreased by 1 percent to 899 000 tonnes and that of bananas and plantains by 6 percent. The start of the rainy season was delayed but subsequent precipitation was adequate for crops development. Despite the overall satisfactory weather conditions, production this season was affected by persistent insecurity in central and western parts ( provinces of Gitega, Muramvya, Kayanza et Bubanza Ruyigi and Bujumbura-rural), which resulted in reductions in plantings and yields. The 2003 output of coffee, the main cash crops for small farmers, is estimated 78 percent lower than in the previous year and one of the lowest of the past 40 years.