February 14, 2011

Mexico to replant corn after sudden cold damage

Mexico aims to replant up to 300,000 hectares (741,300 acres) of corn after crops were hit by unusual sub-zero temperatures this month, the agriculture ministry said Thursday (Feb 10).

The extent of damages in northern agricultural areas, hit by the lowest temperatures in 20 years, is still unknown. But the government also plans to go ahead and plant 150,000 hectares of sorghum and 15,000 hectares of safflower.

"The distribution of seeds will start with corn," the ministry said, adding that sorghum and safflower would follow before February 28.

The bulk of the damage is believed to be in Sinaloa state in northwestern Mexico, where 80% of Mexico's fall-winter corn is produced.

In December, the government said corn production would reach 25 million tonnes in 2011.