COSTA RICA (23 November)

 The country has been affected by storm rains and winds, caused by Hurricane “Mitch”, from 25 – 30 October. Preliminary assessments indicate that damage has been inflicted to crops such as coffee, paddy, sugar cane, and leafy vegetables particularly in the northern, central and southern parts of the country. Damage to the livestock sector is also reported. Maize output in 1998/99 is provisionally forecast at 32 000 tonnes compared to the 1997/98 crops of 24 000 tonnes. Production of paddy in 1998 is expected to be between 255 000 and 265 000 tonnes, subject to losses incurred by the hurricane. This compares to some 250 000 tonnes in 1997. Rice imports should decline in 1999 (January/December) from the estimated 100 000 tonnes imported in 1998. Imports of beans reached a record 20 000 tonnes this year, reflecting the low output obtained due to El Niño related adverse weather conditions principally in the first half of the year.