FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/99 - CHINA (2 November)
Seasonably dry weather favoured harvesting of summer crops and planting of winter wheat. Cool weather early in the season, followed by drought and high temperatures subsequently affected maize production in several provinces in the north. This year although planted area was similar to last year, growing conditions were worse and output is likely to be lower than 1998. Abundant and above-average rainfall in the main producing areas in the north-east and north west, in October replenished soil moisture levels and was generally favourable for winter wheat planting, now near completion. However, the rains did not ease earlier drought conditions in the northern provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Ningxia, which may affect the winter crop somewhat. Winter wheat accounts for more than 80 percent of total wheat production. Overall, due to a lower autumn harvest, 1999 grain output is officially expected to be lower than the 490 million tonnes (including roots and tubers) produced last year. In the first nine months of 1999 official estimates indicate that some 2.11 million tonnes of maize was exported around 40 percent lower that in the same period in 1998.
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