Weather plays havoc with Indonesias coffee crop

20 August 1999

Weather plays havoc with Indonesias coffee crop

The weather has played havoc with Indonesias coffee crop this year
but production is scheduled to return to normal in 2000, according to
the Indonesian Coffee Exporters Association. (ICEA)

Heavy rains early in the year helped the recovery of crops from the
drought of 1997. But the dry season has set in late and it is unclear
whether it will last until October, which could damage some crops.

One source quoted in the Financial Times believes the coffee
crop will be 30% off target.

ICEA is forecasting production will reach 381,000 tonnes this year,
down 9% against last year and 40% short of the target. Exports are
forecast to fall just 5% to 310,000 tonnes as domestic demand is still
low.