Brasília, March 18, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Soybeans and corn were the crops most affected by adverse climatic conditions, according to a survey by the National Supply Company (Conab).

Excessive rains caused losses to the soybean crop in Mato Grosso, the country's largest producer of the legume. At the other extreme, drought in the South and in Mato Grosso do Sul induced a collapse in corn production. The losses will be quantified during a field survey scheduled for April 11-17.

According to the Conab, besides the harm caused by climatic factors, producers in the Center-West will be penalized by damages due to Asian rust.

Translator: David Silberstein