BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA* (18 November)

The 1997 wheat crop was less than anticipated earlier due to a 15 percent reduction in the areas sown to wheat. By contrast, both the area sown and average yields of maize and potatoes increased sharply. Although agricultural production is recovering steadily, and the total cropped area has increased, the aggregate area sown to the 1996/97 wheat crop fell sharply in both BiH Federation and the Republika Sprska. This is mainly due to ample availability of imported wheat and flour in the market and the poor profitability of wheat vis-à-vis other crops, notably maize and potatoes, which are also easier to grow by smallholders experiencing shortages of machinery and working capital. In BiH Federation the area sown to this crop is estimated to have fallen by up to 15 percent to 29 000 hectares. Given an average yield of 2.6 tons per hectare output is estimated by FAO at 75 000 tons. In the Republika Sprska, FAO now estimates the 1997 wheat harvest at 210 000 tons, from an area of 60 000 hectares. Localized surpluses of potatoes have emerged.

Wheat remains an important staple but in view of the gradual but steady improvement in the agricultural situation and in particular the increase in the output of potatoes, the dependence on this commodity is diminishing gradually. In 1997/98 the aggregate cereal import requirement is now tentatively estimated at around 275 000 tons, mostly for the BiH Federation. In the Republika Srpska, the lower wheat harvest is reported to be adequate to cover human consumption needs

The World Food Programme is expected to provide about 68 100 tons of food aid in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Most of this food will be used in a general distribution programme providing monthly rations to some 600 000 vulnerable families. The selection of beneficiaries is purely based on household needs and covers the BiH Federation as well as Republika Srpska. An additional 6 700 tons of food will be utilized for a variety of small-scale income generating rehabilitation activities in an effort to help people in the transition from dependence back to self- sufficiency.