FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Typhoon Bopha causes some localized crop damage in southern Philippines
The 2012 main season paddy and maize harvests officially estimated at record levels
Cereal imports in 2012/13 marketing year to decline
Prices of rice and maize have remained relatively stable
Food insecurity persists in some areas of the country
Typhoon Bopha causes some localized crop damage in southern Philippines
Planting of the 2012/13 secondary season crops, rice and maize, was undertaken from October to December. The start of the season has been characterised by below average rains over much of the country, particularly in interior parts of Regions II, VI and XII. In early December, typhoon Bopha brought heavy rains and wind across the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines causing localised flash flooding and landslides. The reports indicate damages of about 28 000 hectares of rice and 35 000 hectares of maize, mostly in Northern Mindanao and Davao regions. However, the impact on the total national production is expected to be minimal. Early indications for the 2012/13 secondary crop point to an increase in plantings to maize and paddy.