Planting of the 1996/97 main season cereal crops is about to start under normal conditions, following heavy rainfall in February which seriously affected crops and livestock pastures, in the central provinces of Heredia and Cartago, and Limón on the Atlantic coast. Maize area, mostly white, is expected to be below average and similar to last year. As a result of the import liberalization programme implemented last year, the area of paddy, the main crop, is also expected to be below normal.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1995/96 (August/July) are projected at 165 000 tons, similar to imports in the last two years. Due to demand from the feed industry, maize imports, mainly yellow, are expected to remain high, though slightly lower than the 284 000 tons imported last year. Rice imports in 1996 are projected to be lower than the high volume of 72 000 tons imported in 1995, mainly as a consequence of large carry-over stocks.
Planting of the 1996 first (winter) season irrigated paddy crop, particularly in the western and central provinces, was completed by end February under generally dry weather. Early forecasts put production slightly higher than the reduced output of 100 000 tons in 1995, which was 50 percent below average for the preceding five years. In order to help meet food requirement, another 100 000 tons of rice have been pledged by the international community for delivery in 1996. By contrast, the output of maize is expected to be about 77 000 tons, slightly lower than normal. Production of minor food crops, such as fruits and vegetables, is anticipated to be satisfactory.
Harvest of the 1995/96 sugar cane harvest, the main export, which began in December and ends in May, was interrupted in mid-March, due to heavy rains in eastern parts of the country. The large producing provinces of Las Tunas and Holguín were particularly affected. No official assessment of possible losses has yet been made, but prospects for the target of 4.5 million tons are still valid. This follows a reduced output of 3.3 million tons in 1995, the lowest in years.
Normal rainfall has favoured planting of the 1996 first season maize and sorghum crops, currently underway, as well as replenishing reservoirs for field preparation for the irrigated paddy crop. The area planted to first season maize is forecast to increase slightly over 1995. By contrast, first season paddy area is expected to decrease, due mainly to large carryover stocks and the possibility of low cost imports. The area of first season beans is also projected to be similar to 1995.
Maize imports, mostly for feed, are expected to decline in 1996 (January/December) to 560 000 tons from 674 000 tons in 1995, due to high international prices and a small reduction in demand from the poultry industry. Rice imports are provisionally forecast to increase from 30 000 tons to 50 000 tons. However, the final quantity will depend upon agreement between millers and retailers on milled rice supplies and prices.
Land is being prepared under normal conditions for planting the 1996/97 main season cereal and bean crops from May. The outlook for the main crop is favourable and an increase in maize area is anticipated over last year, when planting was affected by heavy rain and floods in the central departments of San Vicente and Usulután. The increase is also in response to domestic demand and attractive prices. Sorghum area, however, is expected to decline somewhat but remain about average. The area under beans is also expected to increase over last year, when prices were reduced by low cost imports.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1996/97 (July/June) are expected to be similar to the 195 000 tons currently projected for 1995/96. This reflects strong demand for wheat products despite high international prices. Maize imports, mostly for feed, are estimated at 120 000 tons, similar to last year. Rice imports in 1996 (January/December) are projected at 14 000 tons, compared to some 39 000 tons in 1995.
The country is still threatened by the Hibiscus Mealy Bug or Pink Mealy Bug. The pest has caused widespread crop devastation, particularly to cash crops, such as cocoa, a main foreign exchange earner, and to minor food crops. In addition, crop production costs have significantly increased as a consequence of more intensive use of insecticide spraying. This has resulted in food shortages and high prices in local markets.
Planting of the 1996/97 main season cereal crops is about to begin under normal conditions. Early prospects are favourable, providing good weather persists for coarse grains. This is due to normal/ above-normal planting of sorghum and maize respectively, in response to attractive prices. Paddy area is expected to decrease from the slightly above-average level of last year in view of strong competition from anticipated imports and lower prices.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1996/97 (July/June) are provisionally forecast at 310 000 tons, similar to 1995/96. Maize imports, however, are likely to decrease from an estimated 175 000 tons in 1995/96, due to high international prices. Rice imports in 1996 (January/December) are forecast at 35 000 tons, close to 1995.