Coarse Grains

摘要

Contrary to earlier predictions, the global coarse grains crop in 2004 is now forecast at 951 million tonnes, 2.1 percent up from last year and the largest output on record. The increase since the April report is mostly on account of very favourable planting conditions in the United States, the world's largest producer, where a record crop is now expected. The larger United States crop accounts for the bulk of the increase over last year. In Europe, a significant surge is also expected after increased plantings and better weather conditions. In Far East Asia, planting of the main 2004 summer coarse grains is virtually complete. The maize area in China is expected to increase marginally from the previous year, mainly in the Northeast region following the Government's measures to reverse the declining production trend of recent years. Preliminary forecasts point to an increase in maize production by 3.6 percent to 118 million tonnes. India is forecast to have another good crop and in Indonesia, a bumper maize crop of 11.5 million tonnes has already been harvested, the combined result of increased plantings and above-average precipitation. A good maize crop has also been gathered In the Philippines, where attractive prices have led to increased maize area and the adoption of techniques boosting yields.