Harvesting of the 2013 main season crops, mainly rice and maize, was completed by December.
The 2013 paddy production is expected to reach a record level at 88,000 tonnes, some 4 per cent above last year’s bumper level, reports FAO.
The increase is mainly attributed to a slight expansion in plantings and higher yields, following favourable weather conditions.
Similarly, the 2013 maize crop is estimated at 81,400 tonnes, slightly above previous year’s bumper output. The slight increase is mainly the result of favourable weather conditions during the growing season.
The aggregate 2013 cereal production is thus estimated at 192,900 tonnes, including rice in paddy terms, up 3 per cent on last year’s bumper output.
Rice is the main staple food in the country, with per capita consumption estimated at about 175 kg/year.
Following higher production levels in 2013, the cereal import requirement for the 2013/14 marketing year (July/June) is forecast at 66,100 tonnes, about 9 per cent below the previous year.
Imports consist mainly of rice and wheat, forecast in the current marketing year at 58 000 and 6 000 tonnes, respectively.
