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WORLD AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION PART 1:

June 1997

This report draws on information from USDA's global network of agricultural attaches and counselors, official statistics of foreign governments, other foreign source materials, and results of office analysis. Estimates of U.S. acreage, yield and production are from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board, except where noted. This report is based on unrounded data; numbers may not add to totals because of rounding. The report reflects official USDA estimates released in the World Agricultural Supply Estimates (WASDE-327) June 12, 1997. The report was prepared by the Production Estiamtes and Crop Assessment Division, FAS, AGSTOP, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250-1045. Further information may be obtained by writing to the division, or by calling (202) 720-0888, 9516, or by FAX (202) 720-8880.

The report was prepared by the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, FAS, AGBOX 1045, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250-1000. Further information may be obtained by writing to the division, or by calling (202) 720-0888, 9516, or by FAX (202) 720-8880.

The next issue of World Agricultural Production, Part 1, will be available electronically after 3:30 pm local time on July 14, 1997.

WORLD AGRICULTURAL WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

June 12, 1997

UNITED STATES: Cool weather persists for the ninth consecutive week east of the Mississippi River, slowing corn and soybean growth. Early June rain soaks the Ohio Valley, while warm and dry weather favors corn growth in the western Corn Belt and spring wheat growth in the northern Plains. Topsoils are drying out in the northern Plains. Unusual late-spring rain favors small grains in the Northwest.

CANADA: Unseasonable cold in May slowed early spring planting efforts in the northern and eastern Prairies. A late-May warmup improved overall prospects, although a few local areas remained prohibitively wet. In Ontario, persistent cool, wet weather in southern growing areas slowed summer crop planting and early development. Ontario's winter wheat is susceptible to a recurrence of diseases that have plagued the region in recent years.

SOUTH AMERICA: Despite below-normal May rainfall, early June rains boosted topsoil moisture for winter wheat planting in central Argentina. More rain is still needed, especially in southern Santa Fe and Cordoba. May and early June showers increased topsoil moisture for wheat planting throughout most of southern Brazil. However, the wheat areas of eastern Parana and Rio Grande do Sul still need more rain.

EUROPE: Above-normal precipitation in May in England, France, the Benelux countries, and Germany was timely for winter grains that were in or nearing reproduction as well as for emergence and establishment of spring-sown crops. Unusual rains benefitted summer crop development in Spain while recent soaking rain in northern Italy eased long-term dryness. In eastern Europe, wet weather since May 25 provided abundant moisture for winter grains and spring-sown crops.

FSU-WESTERN: In Russia, generous rains in May provided favorable moisture for winter grain development and spring-planted crops. In Ukraine, although a drying trend in the south in May lowered topsoil moisture for newly planted spring grains and summer crops, rain since May 26 improved growing conditions. Since early June, soaking rain in Ukraine and southern Russia was timely for winter wheat, typically advancing through reproduction.

FSU-NEWLANDS: In Russia, weather conditions in May favored spring grain planting in Western Siberia while cool, wet weather in the Urals slowed planting. In Kazakstan, wet weather in early May was followed by a drying trend that allowed spring grain planting to advance to completion in early June.

SOUTH ASIA: The southwest monsoon is off to a slow start in southern India, arriving somewhat later than usual and supported by an unfavorably weak upper air pattern. A strengthening of the monsoon circulation over the next few weeks will be critical for grains, oilseeds, and cotton, typically planted in June and July.

EASTERN ASIA: Above-normal May rainfall favored summer crop germination across Manchuria and the North China Plain. The moisture also benefitted reproductive to filling winter wheat. Near-normal rainfall maintained adequate moisture supplies for rice across southern China. However, locally heavy showers across the south caused some flooding.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Near-normal May rainfall brought some relief to the Philippines, but widespread showers are still needed. Below-normal May rainfall continued into early June across Thailand, reducing moisture supplies for rainfed corn and rice. Above-normal monthly rainfall hampered main-season rice harvesting across Java, but maintained favorable moisture supplies for the upcoming second-crop rice crop. Much-below-normal May rainfall reduced moisture for oil palm across peninsular Malaysia, but early June rains brought some relief.

AUSTRALIA: Primary winter grain areas of the southeast have received only light, scattered showers in recent weeks. While providing marginal moisture for fieldwork and germination, much more rain is needed to offset long-term moisture deficits and ensure proper establishment. Mid-May showers benefitted eastern Australia's more northerly winter grain areas but raised concern for unharvested cotton. The recent drying trend in the east has left pasture and grazing land in need of moisture. Early winter grain prospects are good in Western Australia thanks to a wetter weather pattern.

(More details are available in the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin. USDA/Joint Agricultural Weather Facility

                 PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1997/98
                             
                         June 1997
                             
                             
              ------------1997/98-------------   Change
                   Current   Monthly   Monthly   From
Country            Estimate  Change    Change    1996/97
                     MMT      MMT      Percent   Percent


                           WHEAT
                             
World             578.8       +0.4        +0        -1
                  
Production is forecast higher this month due to a an increase in the
United States which more than offset a reduction in the total foreign
category.

United States      62.7       +1.2        +2        +1
                  
Production is forecast higher due to an increase in winter wheat yields.

Total Foreign     516.1       -0.8        -0        -1
                  
Production is forecast lower due to reductions in Iran, Syria, and
Morocco which more than offsets an increase in Romania.

Iran               10.0       -0.5        -5        -9
                  
Production is forecast lower due to unfavorably dry weather and above-
normal temperatures in parts of Iran.  Also, earlier cold weather
hampered yield potential.

Syria               3.8       -0.4       -10       -11
                  
Production is forecast lower as field travel by USDA staff in Damascus
indicated reduced yield due to cold weather in late-April.    

Morocco             2.1       -0.4       -16       -64
                  

Production is forecast lower due to fall wetness followed by drought
that severely reduced yield.

Romania             7.5       +0.5        +7      +137

Production is forecast higher due to favorable weather which boosted
yield potential.
 

                       COARSE GRAINS
                             
World             898.9       +0.1        +0        -0
                  
Production is forecast higher this month due to an increase in the total
foreign category.

United States     278.4         NC        NC        +4
                  
No change this month.

Total Foreign     620.5       +0.1        +0        -2
                  
Production is estimated higher due mainly to an increase in Indonesia
which more than offsets a decline in Morocco.

Indonesia           7.0       +0.2        +3        +6     

Production is forecast higher as an increase in the use of high-yielding
corn varieties improved yield potential. 

Morocco             1.5       -0.2       -11       -62

Production is forecast lower as too wet conditions at planting and
drought during the growing season reduced barley yield. 


RICE (MILLED BASIS)

RICE (MILLED BASIS) FORECAST FOR 1997/98: World production is forecast at 377.3 million tons, down 3.9 million or 1 percent from 1996/97. Foreign production for 1997/98 is forecast at 372.0 million tons, down 3.6 million or 1 percent from 1996/97. Rice production in the United States is forecast at 5.3 million tons, down 0.3 million or 5 percent from 1996/97.

OILSEEDS

OILSEEDS FORECAST FOR 1997/98: World oilseed production is forecast at 273.0 million tons, up 15.0 million or 6 percent from 1996/97. Foreign production for 1997/98 is forecast at a record 192.2 million tons, up 9.0 million or 5 percent from 1996/97. Total oilseed production in the United States is forecast at 80.8 million tons, up 6.0 million or 8 percent from 1996/97.

COTTON

COTTON FORECAST FOR 1997/98: World production is forecast at 87.5 million bales, down 0.8 million or 1 percent from 1996/97. Total foreign production is forecast at 69.0 million bales, down 0.3 million or less than 1 percent form 1996/97. U.S. production is forecast at 18.5 million bales, down 0.4 million or 2 percent from 1996/97.

PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 1996/97

WHEAT

WHEAT: World wheat production for 1996/97 is estimated at 583.0 million tons, up 1.8 million or less than 1 percent from last month's estimate. The higher production estimate is due to upward revisions for China, Argentina, Australia, and France.

COARSE GRAINS

COARSE GRAINS: World production for 1996/97 is estimated at 901.6 million tons, up 1.7 million or less than 1 percent from last month's estimate. Production is estimated higher due to increases in corn output for China and France and sorghum production for Mexico.

RICE (MILLED BASIS)

World           381.2     +3.8     +1         +3
                  
Production is estimated higher due to an increase in total foreign
output.

United States     5.6       NC      NC        -1
                  
No change this month. 

Total Foreign   375.6     +3.8       +1       +3
                  
Production is estimated higher due to increases in China, Vietnam, and
Brazil.  Also, various countries within the FSU-12 were revised.

China           136.5     +2.8       +2       +5
                  
Production is revised higher based on preliminary estimates by China's
State Statistical Bureau.

Vietnam          17.8     +0.8       +5       +1
                  
Production is estimated higher based on a record winter-spring crop
resulting from a combination of excellent weather, high yielding
varieties, and expanded harvested area.

Brazil            6.5      +0.3       +5       -5
                  
Production is estimated higher based on record yield.

FSU-12            0.7      -0.2      -20      -10     

Production is estimated lower due mainly to reductions in area and yield
for Kazakstan and yield for Uzbekistan.

 
                          OILSEEDS


World           258.0      +0.2       +0        +1
                  
Production is estimated higher due to an increase in the total foreign
category.

U.S.             74.8        NC       NC        +8
                  
No change this month.

Total Foreign   183.2      +0.2       +0        -2
                  
Production is estimated higher mainly due to increases for China, India,
and Pakistan which more than offset declines in Argentina and Hungary.

China            41.7      +0.7       +2        -4
                  

Production is estimated higher based on increases in peanut and rapeseed
output.

India            25.6      +0.4       +2         +3
                  

Production is estimated higher due to increases in soybean and
cottonseed output.

Pakistan          3.6      +0.1        +3       -10     

Production is estimated higher due to an increase in cottonseed yield.

Argentina        18.1      -0.5        -3        -6     

Production is estimated lower resulting from dry conditions which
reduced soybean and cottonseed yields. 

Hungary           0.9      -0.1       -11       +21     

Production is estimated lower due to a reduction in sunflowerseed yield.


PALM OIL

World             16.8      +0.1       +1        +6
                  
Production is forecast higher this month due to an increase in Malaysia.


COTTON

------------1997/98-------------   Change
                   Current   Monthly   Monthly   From
Country            Estimate  Change    Change    1996/97
                   MBales    MBales    Percent   Percent


World Total         88.3      +0.3       +0         -4
                  
Production is forecast higher due to an increase in the total foreign
category.

United States       18.9        NC       NC         +6
                  
No change this month.

Total Foreign       69.3      +0.3       +0         -7
                  
Production is forecast higher due to increases in India, Australia, and
Pakistan which more than offset declines in Turkey and Argentina.

India               12.8      +0.3       +2         +1
                  
Production is estimated at a record due to favorable weather and timely
post monsoonal rains in central and southern India.  These rains
increased yield allowing for additional pickings.

Australia            2.8      +0.2       +8        +45
                  
Production is estimated at a record due to favorable weather during the
growing and harvesting period.

Pakistan              7.3     +0.2        +3       -11     

Production is estimated higher based on official data from the Ministry
of Agriculture.

Turkey                3.5     -0.2        -6       -12
                  
Production is estimated lower due to heavy rains during harvest that
reduced the yield and quality of the crop.

Argentina             1.5     -0.2       -12       -22
                  
Production is estimated down as dry periods in January and March reduced
yield potential.


              WHEAT : World Production Estimates
            1995/96 - 1996/97 and Forecast 1997/98
      Production, Area, and Yield for Selected Producers

------------------------------------------------------------------
              |         |          |PRELIMINARY| 1997/98 FORECAST
  PRODUCER    |  UNIT   | 1995/96  | 1996/97   | May 12   Jun 12
------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
  Production   MIL. MT    537.935     583.025     578.436  578.817
  Area         MIL. HA    219.633     231.294     227.973  227.866
  Yield        MT/HA        2.449       2.521       2.537    2.540
UNITED STATES
  Production   MIL. MT     59.400      62.099      61.547   62.693
  Area         MIL. HA     24.664      25.435      24.685   24.685
  Yield        MT/HA        2.408       2.441       2.493    2.540
TOTAL FOREIGN
  Production   MIL. MT    478.535     520.926     516.889  516.124
  Area         MIL. HA    194.969     205.859     203.288  203.181
  Yield        MT/HA        2.454       2.530       2.543    2.540
ARGENTINA
  Production   MIL. MT      9.200      16.100      14.000   14.000
  Area         MIL. HA      4.781       7.000       6.300    6.300
  Yield        MT/HA        1.924       2.300       2.222    2.222
AUSTRALIA
  Production   MIL. MT     16.504      23.586      18.500   18.500
  Area         MIL. HA      9.721      11.327      11.000   11.000
  Yield        MT/HA        1.698       2.082       1.682    1.682
CANADA
  Production   MIL. MT     25.037      30.500      26.000   26.000
  Area         MIL. HA     11.141      12.650      11.700   11.700
  Yield        MT/HA        2.247       2.411       2.222    2.222
EU-15
  Production   MIL. MT     86.161      99.045      97.850   97.850
  Area         MIL. HA     16.161      16.784      17.275   17.275
  Yield        MT/HA        5.331       5.901       5.664    5.664
FSU-12
  Production   MIL. MT     59.320      62.970      68.170   68.170
  Area         MIL. HA     45.358      48.155      47.605   47.605
  Yield        MT/HA        1.308       1.308       1.432    1.432
EASTERN EUROPE
  Production   MIL. MT     34.970      26.300      33.200   33.700
  Area         MIL. HA      9.710       8.689       9.610    9.610
  Yield        MT/HA        3.601       3.027       3.455    3.507
CHINA
  Production   MIL. MT    102.215     110.300     114.000  114.000
  Area         MIL. HA     28.860      29.558      30.000   30.000
  Yield        MT/HA        3.542       3.732       3.800    3.800
INDIA
  Production   MIL. MT     65.470      62.620      64.500   64.500
  Area         MIL. HA     25.600      25.100      25.400   25.400
  Yield        MT/HA        2.557       2.495       2.539    2.539
PAKISTAN
  Production   MIL. MT     17.002      16.907      16.000   16.000
  Area         MIL. HA      8.170       8.376       8.100    8.100
  Yield        MT/HA        2.081       2.019       1.975    1.975
TURKEY
  Production   MIL. MT     15.500      16.000      16.000   16.000
  Area         MIL. HA      8.550       8.450       8.500    8.500
  Yield        MT/HA        1.813       1.893       1.882    1.882
MEXICO
  Production   MIL. MT      3.460       3.200       3.400    3.400
  Area         MIL. HA      0.870       0.800       0.850    0.850
  Yield        MT/HA        3.977       4.000       4.000    4.000
OTHER W. EUROPE

  Production   MIL. MT      0.960       0.995       0.925    1.000
  Area         MIL. HA      0.168       0.168       0.160    0.163
  Yield        MT/HA        5.714       5.923       5.781    6.135
==================================================================
Jun 12, 1997             Timothy Rocke, Grains Chairperson, PECAD


               CORN : World Production Estimates
            1995/96 - 1996/97 and Forecast 1997/98
      Production, Area, and Yield for Selected Producers

------------------------------------------------------------------
              |         |          |PRELIMINARY| 1997/98 FORECAST
  PRODUCER    |  UNIT   | 1995/96  | 1996/97   | May 12   Jun 12
------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
  Production   MIL. MT    515.944     589.356     598.495  598.695
  Area         MIL. HA    134.371     141.157     141.701  141.701
  Yield        MT/HA        3.840       4.175       4.224    4.225
UNITED STATES
  Production   MIL. MT    187.305     236.064     249.948  249.948
  Area         MIL. HA     26.303      29.602      30.401   30.401
  Yield        MT/HA        7.121       7.975       8.222    8.222
TOTAL FOREIGN
  Production   MIL. MT    328.639     353.292     348.547  348.747
  Area         MIL. HA    108.068     111.555     111.300  111.300
  Yield        MT/HA        3.041       3.167       3.132    3.133
ARGENTINA
  Production   MIL. MT     11.100      14.500      13.000   13.000
  Area         MIL. HA      2.700       3.300       3.000    3.000
  Yield        MT/HA        4.111       4.394       4.333    4.333
SOUTH AFRICA
  Production   MIL. MT     10.200       8.300       8.500    8.500
  Area         MIL. HA      3.300       3.360       3.200    3.200
  Yield        MT/HA        3.091       2.470       2.656    2.656
THAILAND
  Production   MIL. MT      3.700       4.000       4.000    4.000
  Area         MIL. HA      1.140       1.200       1.150    1.150
  Yield        MT/HA        3.246       3.333       3.478    3.478
EASTERN EUROPE
  Production   MIL. MT     25.371      25.715      24.800   24.800
  Area         MIL. HA      6.949       7.023       6.825    6.825
  Yield        MT/HA        3.651       3.662       3.634    3.634
EU-15
  Production   MIL. MT     29.224      34.678      34.725   34.725
  Area         MIL. HA      3.732       4.081       4.160    4.160
  Yield        MT/HA        7.831       8.497       8.347    8.347
FSU-12
  Production   MIL. MT      7.010       4.535       7.335    7.335
  Area         MIL. HA      2.465       2.097       2.753    2.753
  Yield        MT/HA        2.844       2.163       2.664    2.664
MEXICO
  Production   MIL. MT     17.780      19.000      19.500   19.500

  Area         MIL. HA      7.800       8.200       8.500    8.500
  Yield        MT/HA        2.279       2.317       2.294    2.294
CHINA
  Production   MIL. MT    112.000     127.460     122.000  122.000
  Area         MIL. HA     22.767      24.495      23.500   23.500
  Yield        MT/HA        4.919       5.204       5.191    5.191
BRAZIL
  Production   MIL. MT     32.480      37.000      35.000   35.000
  Area         MIL. HA     13.767      14.200      14.000   14.000
  Yield        MT/HA        2.359       2.606       2.500    2.500
PHILIPPINES
  Production   MIL. MT      4.324       4.250       4.200    4.200

  Area         MIL. HA      2.760       2.730       2.700    2.700
  Yield        MT/HA        1.567       1.557       1.556    1.556
INDONESIA
  Production   MIL. MT      6.000       6.600       6.800    7.000
  Area         MIL. HA      3.531       3.550       3.580    3.580
  Yield        MT/HA        1.699       1.859       1.899    1.955
CANADA
  Production   MIL. MT      7.271       7.200       8.000    8.000
  Area         MIL. HA      1.003       1.040       1.125    1.125
  Yield        MT/HA        7.249       6.923       7.111    7.111
==================================================================
Jun 12, 1997             Timothy Rocke, Grains Chairperson, PECAD


             SOYBEANS : World Production Estimates
            1994/95 - 1995/96 and Forecast 1996/97
      Production, Area, and Yield for Selected Producers

------------------------------------------------------------------
              |         |          |PRELIMINARY| 1996/97 FORECAST
  PRODUCER    |  UNIT   | 1994/95  | 1995/96   | May 12   Jun 12
------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
  Production   MIL. MT    137.630     124.440     132.520  132.227
  Area         MIL. HA     62.207      61.279      63.200   63.082
  Yield        MT/HA        2.212       2.031       2.097    2.096
UNITED STATES
  Production   MIL. MT     68.493      59.243      64.837   64.837
  Area         MIL. HA     24.629      24.938      25.661   25.661
  Yield        MT/HA        2.781       2.376       2.527    2.527
TOTAL FOREIGN
  Production   MIL. MT     69.137      65.197      67.683   67.390
  Area         MIL. HA     37.578      36.341      37.539   37.421
  Yield        MT/HA        1.840       1.794       1.803    1.801
ARGENTINA
  Production   MIL. MT     12.500      12.430      12.400   12.000
  Area         MIL. HA      5.700       5.980       6.200    6.200
  Yield        MT/HA        2.193       2.079       2.000    1.935
BRAZIL
  Production   MIL. MT     25.900      23.700      26.500   26.500
  Area         MIL. HA     11.680      10.950      11.800   11.800
  Yield        MT/HA        2.217       2.164       2.246    2.246
PARAGUAY
  Production   MIL. MT      2.200       2.400       2.600    2.600
  Area         MIL. HA      1.100       1.100       1.200    1.200
  Yield        MT/HA        2.000       2.182       2.167    2.167
CHINA
  Production   MIL. MT     16.000      13.500      13.500   13.500
  Area         MIL. HA      9.222       8.127       7.800    7.800
  Yield        MT/HA        1.735       1.661       1.731    1.731
INDONESIA
  Production   MIL. MT      1.680       1.560       1.500    1.500
  Area         MIL. HA      1.477       1.346       1.300    1.300
  Yield        MT/HA        1.137       1.159       1.154    1.154
EASTERN EUROPE
  Production   MIL. MT      0.256       0.304       0.363    0.358
  Area         MIL. HA      0.164       0.179       0.216    0.213
  Yield        MT/HA        1.561       1.698       1.681    1.681
EU-15
  Production   MIL. MT      1.029       0.939       1.075    1.153
  Area         MIL. HA      0.352       0.291       0.317    0.335
  Yield        MT/HA        2.923       3.227       3.391    3.442
CANADA
  Production   MIL. MT      2.251       2.293       2.170    2.170
  Area         MIL. HA      0.820       0.824       0.860    0.860

  Yield        MT/HA        2.745       2.783       2.523    2.523
==================================================================
Jun 12, 1997             Rod Paschal, Oilseeds Chairperson, PECAD


              COTTON : World Production Estimates
            1994/95 - 1995/96 and Forecast 1996/97
      Production, Area, and Yield for Selected Producers

------------------------------------------------------------------
              |         |          |PRELIMINARY| 1996/97 FORECAST
  PRODUCER    |  UNIT   | 1994/95  | 1995/96   | May 12   Jun 12
------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
  Production   MIL. BALES  85.873      92.252      87.945   88.265
  Area         MIL. HA     32.204      35.867      33.694   33.650
  Yield        KG/HA          581         560         568      571
UNITED STATES
  Production   MIL. BALES  19.662      17.900      18.942   18.942
  Area         MIL. HA      5.391       6.478       5.208    5.208
  Yield        KG/HA          794         602         792      792
TOTAL FOREIGN
  Production   MIL. BALES  66.211      74.352      69.003   69.323
  Area         MIL. HA     26.813      29.389      28.486   28.442
  Yield        KG/HA          538         551         527      531
AUSTRALIA
  Production   MIL. BALES   1.539       1.929       2.600    2.800
  Area         MIL. HA      0.222       0.304       0.390    0.410
  Yield        KG/HA        1,509       1,382       1,452    1,487
CENTRAL AMERICA
  Production   MIL. BALES   0.052       0.065       0.029    0.029
  Area         MIL. HA      0.017       0.019       0.011    0.011
  Yield        KG/HA          666         745         574      574
EGYPT
  Production   MIL. BALES   1.170       1.088       1.600    1.600
  Area         MIL. HA      0.305       0.306       0.387    0.387
  Yield        KG/HA          835         774         900      900
MEXICO
  Production   MIL. BALES   0.458       0.860       1.150    1.150
  Area         MIL. HA      0.146       0.242       0.300    0.300
  Yield        KG/HA          683         774         835      835
PAKISTAN
  Production   MIL. BALES   6.250       8.200       7.100    7.300
  Area         MIL. HA      2.650       3.048       3.200    3.200
  Yield        KG/HA          514         586         483      497
SUDAN
  Production   MIL. BALES   0.400       0.490       0.450    0.450
  Area         MIL. HA      0.174       0.220       0.230    0.230
  Yield        KG/HA          501         485         426      426
TURKEY
  Production   MIL. BALES   2.886       3.911       3.650    3.445
  Area         MIL. HA      0.582       0.757       0.750    0.750
  Yield        KG/HA        1,080       1,125       1,060    1,000
FSU-12
  Production   MIL. BALES   8.778       8.260       6.500    6.500
  Area         MIL. HA      2.707       2.573       2.545    2.545
  Yield        KG/HA          706         699         556      556
ARGENTINA
  Production   MIL. BALES   1.608       1.930       1.700    1.500
  Area         MIL. HA      0.700       0.960       0.900    0.880
  Yield        KG/HA          500         438         411      371
BRAZIL
  Production   MIL. BALES   2.526       1.791       1.400    1.400
  Area         MIL. HA      1.220       1.130       0.750    0.750
  Yield        KG/HA          451         345         406      406
CHINA
  Production   MIL. BALES  19.900      21.900      19.300   19.300
  Area         MIL. HA      5.530       5.422       4.800    4.722
  Yield        KG/HA          784         879         875      890
INDIA
  Production   MIL. BALES  10.814      12.649      12.500   12.800
  Area         MIL. HA      7.861       9.063       8.865    8.865
  Yield        KG/HA          300         304         307      314
==================================================================
Jun 12, 1997              Ron Roberson, Cotton Chairperson, PECAD

   

      RICE (Milled Basis) : World Production Estimates
            1994/95 - 1995/96 and Forecast 1996/97
      Production, Area, and Yield for Selected Producers

------------------------------------------------------------------
              |         |          |PRELIMINARY| 1996/97 FORECAST
  PRODUCER    |  UNIT   | 1994/95  | 1995/96   | May 12   Jun 12
------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
  Production   MIL. MT    364.881     371.467     377.378  381.210
  Area         MIL. HA    148.047     148.529     148.647  149.268
  Yield        MT/HA        2.465       2.501       2.539    2.554
UNITED STATES
  Production   MIL. MT      6.648       5.631       5.595    5.595
  Area         MIL. HA      1.342       1.252       1.133    1.133
  Yield        MT/HA        4.954       4.498       4.938    4.938
TOTAL FOREIGN
  Production   MIL. MT    358.233     365.836     371.783  375.615
  Area         MIL. HA    146.705     147.277     147.514  148.135
  Yield        MT/HA        2.442       2.484       2.520    2.536
PAKISTAN
  Production   MIL. MT      3.447       3.936       4.260    4.260
  Area         MIL. HA      2.107       2.162       2.230    2.230
  Yield        MT/HA        1.636       1.821       1.910    1.910
BURMA
  Production   MIL. MT      9.280       9.860       9.300    9.300
  Area         MIL. HA      5.517       5.666       5.600    5.600
  Yield        MT/HA        1.682       1.740       1.661    1.661
THAILAND
  Production   MIL. MT     14.124      14.388      13.900   13.900
  Area         MIL. HA      9.196       9.032       9.200    9.200
  Yield        MT/HA        1.536       1.593       1.511    1.511
CHINA
  Production   MIL. MT    123.151     129.650     133.700  136.500
  Area         MIL. HA     30.171      30.745      30.700   31.406
  Yield        MT/HA        4.082       4.217       4.355    4.346
INDONESIA
  Production   MIL. MT     32.333      32.874      33.500   33.500
  Area         MIL. HA     11.439      11.520      11.600   11.600
  Yield        MT/HA        2.827       2.854       2.888    2.888
REP. OF KOREA
  Production   MIL. MT      5.060       4.694       5.320    5.320
  Area         MIL. HA      1.102       1.056       1.050    1.050
  Yield        MT/HA        4.592       4.445       5.067    5.067
JAPAN
  Production   MIL. MT     10.903       9.781       9.413    9.413
  Area         MIL. HA      2.212       2.118       1.977    1.977
  Yield        MT/HA        4.929       4.618       4.761    4.761
BRAZIL
  Production   MIL. MT      7.402       6.834       6.200    6.500
  Area         MIL. HA      4.242       3.880       3.700    3.500
  Yield        MT/HA        1.745       1.761       1.676    1.857
AUSTRALIA
  Production   MIL. MT      0.813       0.680       1.050    1.006

  Area         MIL. HA      0.128       0.149       0.165    0.166
  Yield        MT/HA        6.352       4.564       6.364    6.060
PHILIPPINES
  Production   MIL. MT      6.809       7.263       7.500    7.500
  Area         MIL. HA      3.668       3.924       4.000    4.000
  Yield        MT/HA        1.856       1.851       1.875    1.875
INDIA
  Production   MIL. MT     81.160      79.460      80.500   80.500
  Area         MIL. HA     42.500      42.300      42.700   42.700
  Yield        MT/HA        1.910       1.878       1.885    1.885
BANGLADESH
  Production   MIL. MT     16.833      17.687      18.500   18.500
  Area         MIL. HA      9.922       9.941      10.000   10.000
  Yield        MT/HA        1.697       1.779       1.850    1.850
==================================================================
Jun 12, 1997             Timothy Rocke, Grains Chairperson, PECAD


       WORLD GREEN COFFEE PRODUCTION (Early Release)

The preliminary forecast for 1997/98 world green coffee production is
103.7 million 60-kilogram bags, up 3 percent from the 100.7 million
harvested last season.   Production in 1997/98 would match the previous
record crop produced in 1991/92.  
 
Brazil,  the world's largest producer, is projected to produce 28.0
million bags in 1997/98,  up slightly from last season's 27.5 million
bag harvest.  The 1996/97 crop estimate for Brazil was revised  up 0 .5
million bags from the December 1996 forecast (WAP 12-96).  Factors
influencing the 1997/98 forecast include: 1) field surveys of major
coffee-producing regions during September 1996 and March-April 1997 by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture;  2) favorable weather and good
growing conditions; 3) high grower prices that resulted in improved
cultural practices coupled with an increase in production inputs; 4)
harvested area and bearing bushes  up 3 and 5 percent, respectively from
last season; 5) production coming on stream from a marked increase in
high density plantings; and, 6) the recovery of bushes that were
severely pruned following the two frosts and drought of 1994.  The
marginal  increase in the 1997/98 crop estimate is tempered by the "off-
year" cycle in some coffee growing regions.  There was also excessive
rainfall during the September-January period that contributed to a
larger number of flowerings than usual, negatively affecting fruit
formation in some areas.   However, the on/year off/year cycles are not
nearly as pronounced as they were in the past.  This decreased variation
is due to  changes in cultural practices which include new coffee tree
varieties, increased irrigation, and a higher plant density per hectare. 
The 1997/98 forecast includes 23 million bags of Arabica and 5 million
of Robusta.  The total number of coffee trees is forecast at 3.6
billion, up 5 percent from the 1996/97 season.  The coffee production
potential in Brazil is currently  estimated at 35 million bags.
Colombia's 1997/98 coffee production forecast of 11.3 million bags
suggests a modest recovery  from the estimated 1996/97 crop of 10.3
million bags, the smallest crop in twenty years.

The decline in 1996/97 Colombian coffee production is due to: 1)
unusually heavy, sporadic rains that damaged coffee flowering; 2)
reduced producer inputs and cultural practices as a result of  lower
producer prices; 3) an increase in damage by the insect "Broca" that
incubates in coffee cherries; 4) the increasing age of coffee trees that
results in yield reductions; and, 5) the continual reduction in coffee
area as coffee lands are replanted to other crops.  The 1996/97 estimate
takes into account the high production levels reported by the Colombia
Coffee Growers Federation (FEDECAFE) that during April and May
production was up 23 and 12 percent, respectively from the same months a
year ago.

Colombian coffee production for  the near future is expected to
fluctuate between 11 and 13 million bags.  Improved yield levels are
projected to offset reduced area.  Once coffee prices weaken again, the
downward trend in area is likely to resume.  Grower coffee prices
improved dramatically only after February 1997.  As a result,  growers
have regained enthusiasm for the crop, and this should result in better
cultural practices this year.  
                 WORLD GREEN COFFEE PRODUCTION
                                                
                     (1,000 60-Kg Bags) 1/

    Region and Country    1994/95     1995/96     1996/97    1997/98 
                                                              Jun 2/

    NORTH AMERICA
    Costa Rica           2,492       2,595       2,300       2,450
    Cuba                   400         300         350         350
    Dominican Repub        700         795         640         820
    El Salvador          2,314       2,325       2,438       2,590
    Guatemala            3,500       3,827       4,141       4,207
    Haiti                  440         440         440         440
    Honduras             2,295       2,254       2,385       2,575
    Jamaica                 44          45          45          45
    Mexico               4,030       5,500       5,600       5,700
    Nicaragua              685         986         986         987
    Panama                 190         189         221         225
    Trinidad and To         15          10          15          15
    United States 3        237         236         209         266
        TOTAL           17,342      19,502      19,770      20,670

    SOUTH AMERICA
    Bolivia                 95         120         140         140
    Brazil              28,000      16,800      27,500      28,000
    Colombia            13,000      12,900      10,300      11,300
    Ecuador              2,550       1,900       1,800       1,900
    Guyana                   5           5           5           5
    Paraguay                50          70          60          60
    Peru                 1,453       1,811       1,540       1,820
    Venezuela              920       1,067         843       1,070
        TOTAL           46,073      34,673      42,188      44,295

    AFRICA
    Angola                  70          90          90          90
    Benin                   35          35          35          35
    Burundi                600         400         450         500
    Cameroon             1,000       1,000       1,000       1,000
    Central African        250         300         350         350
    Congo                   25          25          25          25
    Cote d'Ivoire        3,733       2,900       4,660       3,800
    Equatorial Guin         15          15          15          15
    Ethiopia             3,800       3,800       4,000       4,000
    Gabon                   25          25          25          25
    Ghana                   30          30          30          30
    Guinea                 100         100         100         100
    Kenya                1,584       1,580       1,343       1,702
    Liberia                 10          10          10          10
    Madagascar           1,000       1,100       1,100       1,100
    Malawi                  70          80          80          80
    Nigeria                 50          55          55          55
    Rwanda                  80         350         250         300
    Sierra Leone            70          70          70          70
    Tanzania               820         850         700         700

    Togo                   250         100         250         250
    Uganda               3,100       4,200       4,000       4,000
    Zaire                1,300       1,000         900       1,000
    Zambia                  23          27          30          30
    Zimbabwe               155          75         200         200
        TOTAL           18,195      18,217      19,768      19,467

    ASIA
    India                3,060       3,717       3,417       3,750
    Indonesia            6,400       5,800       7,600       6,800
    Laos                   100         150         150         150
    Malaysia               153         158         160         160
    Philippines            878         876         920         960
    Sri Lanka               60          60          60          60
    Thailand             1,400       1,300       1,300       1,200
    Vietnam              3,500       3,635       4,215       5,000
    Yemen                   65          65          65          65
        TOTAL           15,616      15,761      17,887      18,145

    OCEANIA
    New Caledonia            5           5           5           5
    Papua New Guine      1,050       1,000       1,100       1,100
        TOTAL            1,055       1,005       1,105       1,105

        WORLD TOTAL     98,281      89,158     100,718     103,682

    1/ One bag = 132.276 pounds.  2/ Coffee marketing year begins   
October in some countries and April or July in others. 3/ Includes
Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

NOTE:  Production estimates for some countries include cross-border     
movements.


June 1997  Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, FAS, USDA

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