December 1999

FEATURE COMMODITY ARTICLES

Major World Cotton Producers for 1999/2000

World cotton production for 1999/00 is forecast at 87.4 million 480-pound bales, up 3 percent from last year, despite the lowest world price in five seasons, averaging 48.2 cents per pound through early December of 1999/2000 season, down from the recent peak of 91.4 cents in 1994/95. World area is forecast to decrease 1 percent to 32.6 million hectares while the yield is up 5 percent from a year ago to 584 kilograms per hectare.

The world's largest cotton producers, the United States and China, are projected to account for 41 percent of global production, up from 40 percent last year as a larger U.S. crop more than offsets’ China's production drop. The United States experienced by far the greatest year to year rise in global production share, increasing from 16 percent of output last year to 19 percent in 1999/2000 and accounted for 36 percent of the world’s production change.

In the table below and in the following charts this report highlights the top seven cotton producing nations which include the United States, China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Australia. These countries are estimated to produce 69.0 million bales of cotton this season and account for more than 90 percent of the absolute change in production this season.

Download charts in Acrobat pdf format.

Ron Roberson, Cotton Chairman
Telephone: (202) 720-0879
E-mail: roberson@fas.usda.gov

Rice Situation in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s 1999/2000 rice crop is estimated at a record 89.0 tons on a milled basis, up 2 percent from 1998/99. Adequate, widespread rainfall contributed to a large crop this growing season. The largest producers are Indonesia at 32.1 million tons, Vietnam at 19.8 million, and Thailand at 15.4 million. Indonesia’s yield on a rough basis is estimated at 4.38 tons per hectare, Vietnam’s at 4.00 tons, while Thailand’s yield is estimated at 2.37 tons. Rice yields increased in many Southeast Asian countries during the past decade as producers improved irrigation systems, used more fertilizer, pesticides, and high-yielding varieties. Some countries like Indonesia use their increasing rice supplies to become more self-sufficient, while others like Thailand and Vietnam increased their rice exports.

Indonesia’s 1999/2000 rice crop is forecast to be 32.1 million tons on a milled basis. This is unchanged from 1998/99's crop, and up 3 percent from 1997/98's reduced crop. Production is forecast to fall short of 1995/96's record 33.2 million tons, despite greater area planted to rice in both 1997/98 and 1999/2000. The Agricultural Attache in Jakarta reports that domestically produced pesticides and fertilizer are widely available and affordable to producers, but that imports of these items remain expensive. However, producers continue to apply lower then the recommended rates of inputs in the wake of the Asian economic crisis. The Government of Indonesia continues to pursue its goal of rice self-sufficiency by encouraging more area to be planted to rice each year and increasing yields and planting intensity throughout the country. However, political unrest and slow economic growth have delayed their efforts the past few years. Consequently, Indonesia still must import substantial quantities of rice to meet domestic needs. In CY 1998, Indonesia imported a record 6.1 million tons of rice. In 1999 and 2000 Indonesia is predicted to import 3.9 and 3.0 million tons, respectively.

Indonesia’s crop year is divided into two parts, but rice is harvested throughout the year. The main season crop, which depends on the October monsoon, is harvested between January and April, while the second crop, which depends more on irrigation, is harvested between August and October. The main season crop accounts for roughly two-thirds of total rice production, and the second crop for about one-third.

For the 1998/99 season, the monsoon was four to six weeks early and rainfall continued to be widespread across the archipelago. As a result of favorable weather, yield is estimated to rebound above the El-Niño-reduced crop of 1997/98 to a bumper level. Estimated harvest area is slightly lower in 1998/99. The main season crop production is at least 10 percent higher than the 1997/98 season due to favorable weather. The early monsoon allowed the second crop to be planted a month early. The second crop is irrigated, and most irrigated rice is grown on the island of Java. Rainfall was plentiful during the second season across Indonesia with above average precipitation on Java. Harvest of the second crop went well and was successfully completed by October. The October monsoon arrived on schedule, boosting moisture supplies. The main season 1999/2000 plantings began in November, and seasonable showers have maintained favorable moisture supplies since then. Area is forecast slightly higher as the economy improves and rainfall continues to support additional planting.

The 1999/2000 rice crop in Vietnam is estimated to be a near record 19.8 million tons milled production. The 1998/99 crop is estimated at a record 20.0 million tons, following a bumper spring-autumn 1999 crop. There are 3 different rice crops produced in Vietnam: the 10^th month crop is harvested September-November in the North and November-February in the South; the main winter-spring crop is harvested in June in the North and April-May in the South; and the summer-autumn crop is harvested in August-October in the South. Approximately one quarter of total rice production comes from the 10^th month crop, one half from the winter-spring crop, and one quarter from the summer-autumn crop. The 10^th month crop is rainfed and produces lower quality rice for mostly domestic consumption. The higher quality and higher yielding winter-spring and summer-autumn crops employ irrigation and are used for both exports and domestic consumption. Vietnam has the second largest share of world rice trade, and is forecast to export an estimated 4.1 million tons of rice in CY 2000. Improved irrigation systems in the Mekong River Delta in the past decade have led to more land being devoted to the highly productive winter-spring and summer-autumn crops at the expense of the 10^th month crop. The summer-autumn crop is expected to continue its upward trend, with both area and yield increasing.

Rice grows mainly in the lowlands in the far northern and southern regions of the country. In the north, the rice growing area is the Red River Delta, while in the south, it is the Mekong River Delta. The Mekong River Delta is often referred to as the rice bowl of the country. Approximately one half of Vietnam’s rice is grown in the Mekong River Delta and about one-sixth is grown in the Red River Delta. The Mekong River Delta has both rainfed lowland crops and irrigated crops in a roughly equal mix. The Red River Delta contains some rainfed rice crops, but is largely made up of irrigated cropland. Rainfall for the first crop of the year, the 1999/2000 10^th month crop, was above average in the fertile south and in thinly cultivated central Vietnam, but significantly below average during September and October in northern Vietnam. Vietnam is currently approaching the dry season. At the end of October, the Government warned producers in the north that they should store extra water for the key winter-spring crop as there had not been enough rain to support the crop. However, rainfall increased substantially November 4^th through the 11^th as Vietnam was hit hard by a typhoon. Heavy rain in the north brought the region above the normal total rainfall for the season. In central coastal Vietnam, the typhoon caused the worst flooding in over a century. Local crop losses were devastating, but minimal in the context of nationwide production. The irrigation systems in the central and south coastal regions report severe localized damage which could adversely effect next year’s irrigated crop. However, the disastrous floods stayed far north of the country’s main rice fields in the Mekong River Delta. At the end of November, the south had harvested nearly 50 percent of the 10^th month crop, while the Red River Delta and parts of the Mekong River Delta are currently planting the winter-spring crop which is normally harvested in June in the North and April-May in the South.

Thailand is expected to produce 15.4 million tons of milled rice in 1999/2000, up 3 percent from last year and just short of the record 15.5 million harvested in 1997/98. Rice is grown throughout the country, but is mostly concentrated in the rich alluvial soil found in the many river valleys and deltas. There are two major river systems, the Chao Phraya in the west and the Mekong in the east. Most of the rice grown in Thailand is Indica (long grain) type. Very small quantities of Japonica (medium grain) is grown in the north to serve oversea Japanese customers and to make rice flour for exports. About 50 percent of Thailand’s rice production is ordinary white rice, 30 percent glutinous, and 20 percent fragrant Jasmine rice. Jasmine rice is grown as a second season crop, mostly for export. Thailand has the largest share of world rice trade, exporting an estimated 5.8 million tons of rice for CY 2000.

The main season crop, which is rainfed, comprises about 80 percent of total production and is harvested from mid-October to late-January. The irrigated second season crop is grown during the dry season, and is harvested from April to September. Higher yielding varieties are primarily planted in the second season, but are also increasingly planted as part of the main season crop. The 1999 monsoon began early, at the beginning of April, which allowed the main season crop to be planted as much as a month ahead of normal. All regions had at least average levels of rainfall this growing season, and many received above average rainfall. The 1999/2000 crop estimate has risen above the initial July estimate due to the beneficial rains during the monsoon season. Regular, widespread rainfall allowed the crops to achieve an above average yield, as well as reports that indicate area for the second season crop may approach the record area set in 1997/98. Southern Thailand received much more rain than normal in early November because of typhoons coming in from the South China Sea. There was concern about flood damage to the rice fields like nearby central Vietnam experienced; however, there are no reports of serious flood damage from this area and the southern peninsula is a minor growing area for main rice. Thailand is currently harvesting the main season crop, but heavy rains in early and mid-November slowed progress. Drier weather in late November aided harvesting.

The irrigated second season crop will be planted starting in January. The irrigation to support the crop depends on the reservoir levels at the end of the monsoon season. The two key dams which control water levels in the Northern Region and Central Plain are the Bhumibol Dam on the Ping River and the Sirikit Dam on the Nan River, both of which flow into the Chao Phraya delta. As of the beginning of December, the combined water supplies at the two dams were roughly 17 percent above the twenty-five year average for that date.

Burma is expected to produce 9.6 million tons of milled rice in 1999/2000, up 3 percent from last year and the second largest harvest on record. The largest harvest was 9.9 million tons in 1995/96, based on a record yield. The estimated harvested area for this season is a record 5.8 million hectares, up 4 percent from last year. Burma is a very mountainous country, with much of its farmland confined to the lowlands. Harvested area and yield have increased greatly in the past twenty years due to intensive efforts by the Government to raise production. Still, yields are not as high as they were in the early 1990's because of the current inferior seed quality and the high price of critical inputs. This drop in yield is especially severe in the second crop, which grows high-yielding varieties that are more dependent on fertilizer.

There are two crops in Burma each year, the main season crop harvested between November and January, and the second season crop harvested between March and May. The main crop depends on the monsoon which starts in May and ends in October, while the second crop is grown during the dry season and depends on irrigation. The main crop accounts for approximately 85 percent of total production and the second crop15 percent. The major rice producing regions are along the Irrawaddy River Delta, the lower coastal region on the Bay of Bengal, and the lowlands in the states of Mandalay and Sagaing.

This year, there were unusually early rains starting in April which allowed producers along the Irrawaddy and the coast to plant ahead of schedule. The early planting and regular rainfall advanced the crop normally so that harvest started in September this year instead of November. The Irrawaddy region harvest was delayed because of heavy rains from a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in late October. However, these rains provided beneficial soil moisture for the second crop that is currently being planted.

The Philippines is expected to produce a record 7.7 million tons of milled rice in 1999/2000, up 15 percent from last year. The previous record of 7.3 million tons was set in 1996/97, but was followed by poor harvests in both 1997/98 and 1998/99. Those poor harvests were mostly the result of producers planting fewer hectares due to a combination of poor weather and a drop in the amount of high-yielding hybrid seed used during the Asian economic crisis.

There are two crops harvested in the Philippines each year, a wet season crop that is harvested from September to December, and a dry season crop that is harvested from February to April. On average about two-thirds of yearly production comes from the wet season crop and one-third from the dry season crop. While the crops are referred to as "wet season" and "dry season", climatic differences across the country mean that some regions do not ever experience a dry season and maximum rainfall patterns are different in different regions. The Philippines contains multiple climates because it is made up of many islands, several of which have climates separated and influenced by tall mountain ranges. The central plain of the island of Luzon is the ricebowl of the country, containing most of the country’s irrigated cropland. The islands of Visayas and Mindanao are also major rice growing areas.

Rainfall has been near or above average in most rice-growing regions of the country during the first season. However, there were problems with multiple tropical storms hitting the rice areas on Luzon throughout late summer and early fall, causing floods and delaying the wet season harvest. Dryer weather at the end of November aided producers in finishing harvest activities.

Cambodia is projected to produce 2.3 million tons of milled rice in 1999/2000, up 3 percent from last year and the second largest harvest on record. The largest harvest was 2.5 million tons in 1970/71. Yield is estimated at 1.82 tons per hectare, up 3 percent from last year and the second highest yield on record.

Rice grows throughout the country. There are two crops harvested in Cambodia each year: the main crop harvested in December and the second crop harvested in March. The main crop is mostly rainfed and depends on the rainy season from May to mid-November. The second crop is mostly irrigated. The main crop composes approximately 80 percent of the total crop, and the second crop 20 percent. Cambodia originally anticipated a much larger harvest this year, as this season’s main crop was significantly larger than last year’s. Crop prospects were tempered by torrential rains that struck in early and mid-November, and unseasonably heavy rains struck again the first week in December right as the main season rice was about to be harvested. However, the excessive rain will be beneficial for the second crop in the upcoming December-April dry season.

Download tables and graphs on Acrobat pdf format.

Suzanne Miller, Southeast Asia Analyst
Telephone: (202) 720-0882
E-mail: millers@fas.usda.gov

West African Grain Production

Total grain production in West Africa for 1999/2000 is estimated at a record 35.1 million tons, up from 34.6 million in 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 38.3 million hectares, up from 37.9 million in 1998/99. For the purpose of this article, West Africa includes the following countries: Benin, Burkina - Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Cote d’ Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea - Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Record breaking rains are likely to produce record-breaking harvest in many parts of the Sahel. Grain production is estimated to be higher in most countries despite numerous reports of flooding this growing season. In Nigeria, the rain came early and continued to be favorable throughout the season resulting in an increase in production. Cote d’Ivoire had good rainfall with record rice area and production estimated. Senegal, free from civil strife, had widespread rains with some flooding and production of all grain crops are estimated higher. Liberia’s rice production has recovered from the civil-strife reduced crop. Rainfall this year was well distributed and production is expected to be above the previous year.

Benin: Total grain production in Benin for 1999/2000 is estimated at a record 0.8 million tons, up slightly from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.8 million hectares, unchanged from 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are corn and sorghum estimated at 0.7 million and 0.1 million tons, respectively. In the south, favorable growing conditions offset insufficient rains in the north, particularly in the upper north. Pest infestation reportedly caused minor damage to millet, sorghum, and corn.

Burkina Faso: In Burkina Faso, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 2.6 million tons, down slightly from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 3.0 million hectares, slightly up from 2.9 million in 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are sorghum, millet, and corn estimated at 1.3 million, 0.8 million, and 0.5 million tons, respectively. Rainfall was widespread and above normal. As a result, harvest prospects are favorable and similar to last year. Soil moisture reserves were adequate for good crop maturation. The millet and sorghum harvest will be completed by the end of December. Attacks of pest were reported on millet, corn or rice in several areas.

Cape Verde: Total grain production in Cape Verde for 1999/2000 is estimated at 10,000 tons, unchanged for the past four years. Harvested area is estimated at 15,000 hectares, the same as the previous four years. The main grain crop produced is corn estimated at 10,000 tons. There has been significant and widespread rainfall since August, which has permitted satisfactory crop development.

Chad: In Chad, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 1.1 million tons, down from a record 1.2 million in 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 1.8 million hectares, unchanged from 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are millet and corn, estimated at 0.9 million, and 0.1 million tons, respectively. Early season rainfall was variable before becoming abundant in August in most producing areas. Above normal rains, causing localized flood damage to the corn and millet crops, was reported in Moyen-Chari, Logone Oriental, Tanjile, and Mayo-Krebbi regions. In Batha, floods also destroyed crops and swelling water levels in Lake Chad covered fields. However, overall, conditions were good for the crops and a satisfactory harvest is expected.

Cote d’ Ivoire: Total grain production in Cote d’ Ivoire for 1999/2000 is estimated at 1.1 million tons, up slightly from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 1.5 million hectares, up from 1.4 million in 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are corn and rice estimated at 0.6 million and 0.4 million tons, respectively. The climate in Cote d’ Ivoire is tropical wet/dry with two rainy seasons in the south (March - July and September - December) and one in the north (May - October). Corn has two seasons: during the main season, corn is planted from March - May and harvested from August - September, while the second season is planted from August - September and harvested from December - January. Rice is planted from April - July and harvested from September - December. Rice production is estimated to match the 1996/97 record level due to adequate rainfall and area expansion by farmers. Abundant and regular rains also benefitted corn development and harvest prospects are favorable.

The Gambia: In The Gambia, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 94,000 tons, unchanged from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 89,000 hectares, also unchanged from the previous year. The main grains produced are millet and corn estimated at 50,000 and 20,000 tons, respectively. Rainfall during the growing season went from unusually heavy in August, decreasing in September, but remaining regular and well distributed to abundant in the central and eastern regions. Soil moisture was good which supported crop development; however, there is excessive water in some areas. The millet and corn crops were planted in June and harvest is complete. There were no reports of any pest infestations.

Ghana: Total grain production in Ghana for 1999/2000 is estimated at 1.7 million tons, up from 1.6 million in1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 1.3 million hectares, unchanged from the past five years. The main grain crops produced are corn and sorghum estimated at 1.1 million and 0.3 million tons, respectively. Ghana’s climate is considered tropical wet - dry with two rainy seasons in the south and one in the north. Corn has two seasons. For the main season, corn is planted from March - April and harvested from August - September in the south, and in the same season, is planted in June and harvested from August - October in the north. During the second season corn is planted from August - November and harvested from December - January. Sorghum is planted from May - July and harvested from October - November. Rainfall was plentiful throughout the growing season; however, unusual heavy rains in September were reported to be the worst in 30 years. The severe floods devastated three areas in the northern regions, and in some villages, farmlands and crops were destroyed. Overall crop development was favorable and production is estimated to be near record level. Pest infestation was reported in the Upper East region and reduced sorghum and millet yield potential in that region.

Guinea: In Guinea, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.6 million tons, virtually unchanged from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.7 million tons, unchanged from 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are rice and millet estimated at 0.5 million and 0.1 million tons, respectively. Precipitation this year was heavy and above normal, resulting in an estimated record production. However, in the Conakry and Boffa regions, the floods caused crop damage and the displacement of thousands of people.

Guinea-Bissau: Total grain production in Guinea-Bissau for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.1 million tons, up slightly from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.1 million hectares, virtually unchanged from the previous four years. The main grain crops produced are rice and sorghum estimated at 80,000 and 50,000 tons, respectively. Abundant and well distributed rainfall favored crop development and soil moisture was sufficient throughout the growing season.

Liberia: In Liberia, rice production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.2 million tons, up from 0.1 million in 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.2 million hectares, up from 1998/99 and back to a pre civil war level. The main grain crop produced is rice. Rains have been well distributed and above normal this year. Rice output throughout the country is expected to be above the previous year, except in the north where civil disturbances reoccurred in August. In those areas, crop prospects are constrained and many people have been displaced. Agricultural production has been increasing in Bong, Bomi, Montserrado, and Nimba counties, but not in other areas where poor roads made access to farms very difficult.

Mali: Total grain production in Mali for 1999/2000 is estimated at 2.3 million tons, up slightly from the previous year. Harvested area for the third year remains nearly unchanged at 2.3 million hectares. The main grain crops produced are millet, rice, and corn estimated at 1.5 million, 0.5 million, and 0.3 million tons, respectively. Delayed by inadequate rainfall at the beginning of the season, planting of millet continued through early August in rainfed production zones of northern Segou and parts of Mopti regions. Yield potential suffered due to farmers shifting to short-cycle varieties. August was a rainy month and favorable for crop development; however; in localized areas excessive rains damaged some crops. Also, other rainfed zones had favorable growing conditions and a good crop is expected even in the arid regions. Rice production is estimated at a record level as water levels for irrigation are higher because of the abundant rains. Mali’s rice farmers are benefitting from the relatively low grain prices this year. Rice farmers sell their rice stocks for cash and then purchase millet, corn, and sorghum, taking advantage of the price differential. The desert locusts problem was minimal this year.

Mauritania: In Mauritania, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.2 million tons, up over 20 percent from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.2 million hectares, up nearly 10 percent from last season. The main grain crops produced are sorghum and rice estimated at 120,000 and 60,000 tons, respectively. Following the abundant rains in August, precipitation decreased significantly in all production zones. Later the rains resumed and were widespread and above normal in the south and remained favorable. Overall crop prospects are good, but there has been localized flooding. The Senegal River reached high levels, flooding some regions and caused rice production losses in Trarza Wilaya.

Niger: Total grain production in Niger for 1999/2000 is estimated at 2.6 million tons, down from 2.9 million in 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 6.7 million hectares, unchanged from1998/99. The main grain crops produced are millet and sorghum estimated at 2.0 million and 0.6 million ton, respectively. Rains were normal in Niger’s producing zone, which benefitted crop development and a good harvest is expected. Although rainfall was generally above normal, soil moisture deficits persisted locally in Zindern Dorsao, central Tahoua, northern Maradi and Tillabery areas. Millet harvested was completed by November and an above average crop production is estimated. Minor pest infestation was reported.

Nigeria: In Nigeria , total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 19.6 million tons, up from 19.4 million in 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 17.2 million hectares, similar to the previous five years. The main grain crops produced are sorghum, millet, corn, and rice estimated at 7.5 million, 5.1 million, 5.0 million, and 2.0 million tons, respectively. The climate in Nigeria is considered mostly tropical wet-dry; in the southwest, tropical wet; and to the extreme north, semi arid. Millet is planted and harvested from June - October and sorghum from May - November. Rice has two seasons: rainfed rice is from April - September and irrigated rice from May - January. Corn is grown three times within a year. There are two main planting periods, one in the south from March - August, and one in the north from May - September. Corn’s season is from August - January. Sorghum, the most widely cultivated grain in the country, occupies over 45 percent of area land. Production is estimated the same as last year as rainfall began early and continued favorable throughout the season and more sorghum farmers adopted hybrid varieties. Sorghum is planted from the north of Nigeria to the middle belt zones, where moisture levels are low.

Sorghum yields showed a modest increase and only limited quantities of fertilizer was used for this crop. Pest infestations were minimal and did not affect production. The planting of the rice crop is widespread, grown in all six ecological zones. This year’s rice harvest increased due to an increase in area planted and good weather, but would have been much larger if fertilizer application levels had not declined. Nigeria’s Cereal Research Institute, has introduced farmers to improved farming systems and rice yield is increasing once again. The available varieties of rice in Nigeria are tolerant to blast, the most devastating disease of rice. Corn production is estimated to be similar to the previous year due to continued low fertilizer usage. About 10 percent of Nigeria’s corn crop is used by the brewing industry, the largest industrial use of the crop. The short to medium term outlooks for Nigeria’s grain production sector appear mixed and will depend on improvements of the extension system, fertilizers, and the level of adoption improved planting seed varieties by farmers. Nigeria’s dependence on rainfed agriculture always poses a potential threat to overall grain production.

Senegal: Total grain production in Senegal for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.9 million tons, up from 0.7 million in 1998/99. Harvested area for 1999/2000 is estimated at 1.3 million hectares, up from 1.1 million in 1998/99. The main grain crops produced are millet, sorghum, and corn estimated at 0.6 million, 0.2 million, and 0.1 million tons, respectively. Senegal, a country located at the western edge of Africa, is semi-arid in the north, tropical wet-dry in the south with rains from June - October. Crop prospects in the country are favorable due to widespread and above normal rainfalls and the lack of civil strife. Although the rains decreased in late September, soil moisture was adequate to sustain crop development. Rice production areas are in the Senegal River Valley and the Casamance Region. Most of Senegal’s farms are small, rainfed operations with 5 percent of the 4 million hectares of cultivated land irrigated. Production is constrained by a lack of investment in agriculture, along with widespread erosion, and low fertilizer usage.

Sierra Leone: In Sierra Leone, total grain production for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.3 million tons, slightly up from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.3 million hectares, unchanged over the last several years. The main crop produced is rice estimated at 0.2 million tons. At the beginning of the year, Sierra Leone was plagued by civil strife and disruption of agricultural inputs and activities. With improvements in many of the rural areas and favorable weather, production is estimated to increase slightly above last year.

Togo: Total grain production in Togo for 1999/2000 is estimated at 0.6 million tons, up slightly from 1998/99. Harvested area is estimated at 0.8 million hectares, up 7 percent from last season. The main grain crops produced are corn and millet estimated at 0.4 million and 0.2 million tons, respectively. Widespread and above normal rainfall favored crop development and the rains remained regular throughout the season, although floods were reported in Kara, Plateaux, Maritime, and Sovanes regions. Generally, soil moisture was adequate and there has been no reported pest infestations.

Download tables for this article in Acrobat pdf format or Lotus 123 format.

Theresa Wright, Regional Analyst
Telephone: (202) 720-8887
E:mail: wrightt@fas.usda.gov

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