December 18, 2012

Niger reports 420,000 tonnes grain surplus in 2012

At the end of the 2012 crop year, Niger recorded a grain surplus of 419,964 tonnes.

This is according to a government statement in the capital, Niamey, Friday (Dec 14).

"Good rainfall combined with the proper crop preparation and the many forms of assistance to farmers resulted in a surplus of grain estimated at 419,964 tonnes on the basis of the consumption standard of 231 kilogrammes of cereals per person per year," the statement said.

Despite the surplus, some localities recorded production shortfalls due to water stress, infestations and floods that have marked the course of the rainy season.

Some 2,157 villages, out of the 11,754 farming villages - representing 18% - across the country experienced production shortfalls.