FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/98 - KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (24 November)

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (24 November)

The total area planted to cereals for 1998 winter and spring crops, is estimated at some 650 000 hectares, which is slightly higher than the average area for the previous 5 years but some 5 percent lower than last year’s plantings as a result of lower profitability. Farmers shifted part of the grain area into fruit and vegetable production. Potato area has risen for the fifth year in succession.

Cereal crop yields were moderately better than last year’s (the 1997 crop was damaged by drought in the north) but will not compensate for the drop in area. Some emerging crops were affected by unseasonal frosts and localised heavy showers. Fertilizer and pesticide imports reportedly fell short of requirements. Total cereal output is forecast at some 1.6 million tonnes of which 1.25 million tonnes are wheat, down on last year’s output of 1.73 million tonnes. Harvesting was delayed by acute shortages of machinery and fuel and by cold weather and heavy rainfall in southern areas.

Commercial imports for 1998/99 are tentatively forecast at around 70 000 tonnes, over half of which has already been delivered or contracted.

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