Stagnant Venezuela's grain output in 2012

Despite positive results, Venezuela's grain output in 2012 failed to meet demand. The gap hit 66% in corn, 42% in rice, and 96% in sorghum, according to estimates of the Venezuelan Farmers' Federation (Fedeagro).

Based on the estimates, production in the private sector in 2012 was 1.31 tons of corn (white/yellow), 0.71% more than in 2012. In the meantime, paddy rice gained 7.79% and stood at 695,232 tons. Sorghum output hiked 27% with respect to last year and accounted for 99,670 tons.

The results reveal stagnation in cereal production despite joint efforts of the agriculture sector and, particularly, the Executive Office. 

Fedeagro's co-chair Antonio Pestana explained that agrochemicals shortage hit the development of such crops, and improvisation took hold throughout the year. He also stressed that output in 2012 was below expectations.

The outlook for the raining season in 2013 is bleak. Pestana remarked that shortage of raw material could worsen amid a drop in the sale of US dollars by the central bank to companies importing agriculture supplies. This will hit such companies, as they have failed to repay debt with foreign agrochemical suppliers.

acontreras@eluniversal.com

Translated by Jhean Cabrera