Agricultural surplus recorded for 2002-2003 season

Niger's agricultural output for the 2002-2003 farming season has exceeded earlier estimates, achieving a food surplus of just under 390,000 mt, according to Ministry of Agricultural Development Abari Mai Moussa. Moussa said on Wednesday that the country had a global food stock of about 3.2 million mt and food needs estimated at just under 2.8 million mt. Moussa said actual production had amounted to 2.8 million mt, while there were 34,569 mt of leftover food stocks produced in the Sahelian country, 34,569 mt of left-over food stock and over 320,000 mt of imported food. Moussa highlited excellent rainfall and an increase of the area under cultivation to 78,132 ha - 15 percent more than in 2001 - as the main reasons for the surplus. He, however, highlighted areas of concern, such as a production deficit - at times as high as 50 percent - in some 1,800 villages. Insufficient rainfall, parasites [such as locusts], other plant-damaging insects and overused fields were among factors that blocked these areas from having a positive season. The government of Niger said it had taken steps to ensure that this year's surplus was well managed to ensure food security in areas with deficits and increase farmers' revenues. Among other things, it has purchased about 12,000 mt of grains at prices that allow producers to make a profit and replenish the national food stock. The government said it had been working to find new economic partners for farmers who do not have the resources needed to establish contact with foreign partners or potential buyers. It has also provided seeds for planting and technical assistance.