ASUNCION, PARAGUAY — Paraguay’s wheat production is expected to increase 26% in 2021-22 due to higher acreage and yield, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Production is estimated at 1.2 million tonnes with an average yield of 2.3 tonnes per hectare. With a reduction in soybeans and zafrinha corn, idle acres will be available for wheat sowing, the USDA said.

Wheat exports in 2021-22 are projected to increase to 500,000 tonnes, the highest in three years. The domestic consumption of wheat is forecast at 730,000 tonnes, slightly higher than the past two years, but generally consumption is stable over time.

Corn production in 2021-22 is projected at 3.9 million tonnes, a peak since the 2018-19 marketing year, the USDA said. Corn area is expected to grow somewhat to 780,000 hectares.

Corn production in 2020-21 is expected to reach 3.5 million tonnes but the final volume depends on the weather over the next two to three months as planting, completed in mid-March, was later than normal, the USDA said.

Corn exports in 2021-22 are forecast at 2.25 million tonnes, 12% higher than last year on expected larger output.