PAKISTAN (5 May)
Harvesting of the 2004 wheat crop planted in October-December 2003 is underway and the output is estimated at 20 million tonnes, some 3.9 percent up from last year’s level and 4.8 percent above the average of the previous five years, reflecting widespread rains during the growing stages. Despite the larger wheat crop, the country is expected to need 0.5 million tonnes of wheat imports due to low stock.
Planting of 2004 paddy has just started and will continue to July and output is forecast at 7.6 million tonnes, some 4 percent above the previous year, reflecting expected improvement in yields and expanded planting of IRRI rice. Pakistan is a major exporter of rice and the 2004/05 export volume is forecast at 2.2 million tonnes.
Current activities also include the planting of maize. Total 2004 coarse grain output is forecast at 2.2 million tonnes. 200 000 tonnes of coarse grain imports are projected for 2004/05.