Nicaragua was not severely affected by the drought during the first harvest season; However, aagricultural losses due to a prolonged drought period in July were reported in parts of the country. According to reports of the Ministry of Agriculture in October national production of red beans reached 87 per cent of the expected production, while in the case of maize losses were less than 0.5 per cent of the planted area. The Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies reported that if below normal rainfall continued the sowing of the second harvest season (postrera) could be affected. Food prices began their seasonal decline in September. Although red bean prices are near last year’s levels, white maize is 30 per cent below 2011. Prices for both commodities are close to the 5 year average. FEWS NET expects average harvests, good labor demand and stable food prices to mitigate food insecurity levels through March 2013.
October 2012