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ETHIOPIA: Erratic rainfall threatens crop yields
ADDIS ABABA, 26 June (IRIN) - The late start of Ethiopia's wet season and the unreliability of the rains could affect crop production this year and increase the number of those in need of aid, officials said. "The rainy season will start late particularly in the northeastern part of our country," Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told reporters at his office on 24 June. "That means the cropping season for some types of crops may not be appropriate this year." Ethiopia produces 90-95 percent of its total cereal output during the main rainy season, called 'meher', which runs from June to October. According to the US Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net), the `meher' crop season is likely to experience below normal rains. The `belg' (early rains, February-June) season, which normally accounts for 5-10 percent of total cereal output, has also been unpredictable. "Forecasts for rainfall during the main cropping season and in northern pastoral areas are below normal, particularly in areas of the east where production was poor this year, raising concerns that a serious food crisis could emerge in Ethiopia over the next year," Fews Net said in a 24 June statement.

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