FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/99 - BELARUS (3 November)
The aggregate 1999 grain and pulse harvest is officially reported to be only 3.7 million tonnes. This record low output, is the result of severe economic problems coupled with adverse weather (May frosts, hot and dry conditions in June/July). Given the high levels of inflation, the degree of market interference exercised by the government and the consequent shortages of most items in the official distribution chain, it is likely that the actual level of output is higher. Official data indicate that yields of potatoes, vegetables and fodder are also down, and livestock numbers are being reduced. . In view of the second poor cereal harvest in succession, nearly 25 percent less than last year's, the official reports indicate that the country will need up to US$100 million to import up to 1.5 million tonnes of cereals including 0.5 million tonnes of foodgrains. It is uncertain if this large quantity of feedgrains will be mobilized. Aggregate cereal imports in 1999/2000 are tentatively estimated at 1.2 million tonnes. Demand for livestock products remains high, mainly for export to the Russian Federation in payment for fuel, but foreign exchange constraints limit feedgrain imports. As of 1 January 2000, the Belarus rouble is to be redenominated with one new rouble replacing 1000 old Belarussian roubles.
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