FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/98 - BELARUS (24 November)
The total 1998 wheat area (winter and spring) is estimated at 382 000 hectares, which is almost double the average for 1993-1997, reflecting a drive towards food self-sufficiency. The wheat and pulse area has been expanding, mainly at the expense of feed crops such as barley and rye. At 2.9 million hectares, the total cereal and pulse area was marginally down on last year’s level and close to the average of the last five years.
Official estimates suggest a total 1998 cereal production of 5.1 million tonnes, down from last year’s crop of 6.4 million tonnes mainly due to adverse weather. The wheat crop, estimated at 800 000 tonnes, is well above last year’s, reflecting the increased area. However, excessive moisture has reduced the proportion of the milling quality wheat. Commercial cereal imports for the 1998/99 marketing year (July/June) are expected at around 1 million tonnes, up from the 1997/98 level of about 650 000 tonnes.
The winter wheat area (for harvest in 1999) is reported to have increased this year by a further 10 percent.
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