Mexico corn imports to increase 20 percent

The worst drought in 68 years in Mexico is expected to boost the country's corn imports by 20 percent in the current 2009-10 season.

The drought had killed some crops and cattle, forcing the government to slow the flow of water to the capital earlier this year.

Mexico's corn production this year may drop to 21-22 million tonnes, from about 24 million tonnes in the previous season, said Carlos Salazar, head of the national corn producers association.

Mexico's corn imports will increase to 12 million tonnes from 10 million tonnes last year, he said.