Xinhua (China)
August 31, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english
MEXICO CITY, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — Mexico might have to import another 1 to 1.5 million tons of corn due to an unusual drought this year, the agriculture minister said on Monday.
"The 1.5 million ton figure is the loss we see right now, not counting replanting," Alberto Cardenas Jimenez said.
"This July was the worst July in many decades. It represents a harsh blow for farmers, but the outlook for the next four months is more positive " said the minister.
Mexico typically imports around 5 million tons of corn for animal consumption each year.
The drought, said to be the worst in 70 years in the country, brought lower production to some 7 million hectares of crops, CruzLopez Aguilar, head of the National Farmers Confederation, has said.
The losses largely happened to corns, the main food of Mexico, according to Jimenez.
Mexico’s water commission said in a report last week that only two of the 32 Mexican states have registered rainfall of more than 70 millimeters.
Meanwhile, 19 states saw no rains or low rainfall of less than 20 millimeters.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/01/content_11977282.htm/2009-09/01/content_11977282.htm