FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/98 - MEXICO (23 November)
The south-western parts of the country were affected by storm rains and winds caused by Hurricane “Mitch” at the end of October. The area had been formerly affected in September by tropical storm “Javier” with considerable damage to crops in certain zones. In the north-west, planting of the 1998/99 wheat crop in the large irrigated areas continues under generally dry weather. Above-normal rains in September contributed fill water reservoirs in the main growing states of Sonora and Sinaloa, as well as in Baja California, which had been previously affected by a long dry spell. The outlook is good and the area planted should be close to 1997/98 average level but improved yields are anticipated. Harvesting of the important spring/summer maize crop in the southern parts has benefited from recent dry weather, a recovery from the heavy rains due to Hurricane “Mitch “ which had affected the areas. For the country as a whole, an average maize output is anticipated despite damage incurred by the adverse weather. Harvesting of the recently planted (spring/summer) sorghum crop has started. The fall/winter crop was better than earlier estimated and aggregate sorghum production for the year is forecast at an above-average 6.4 million tonnes, but production is still short by some 3 million tonnes to meet domestic demand.
Back
to menu