ALGERIA (11 May)
The Desert Locust situation remains extremely serious in spite of intensive ground and aerial control operations. Immature and mature groups as well as small swarms have been reported in different regions of the country. 23 out of the 48 departments of the country have reportedly been affected. Although over 560 000 hectares of infestations have been treated as of 10 May, and intensive control efforts are still underway, the current crop could be affected. Nevertheless, a good harvest is anticipated, reflecting generally good meteorological conditions since the start of the cropping season, adequate availability of agricultural inputs and the implementation of the Agricultural Development Plan set up by the Government in 2000.
Aggregate production of cereals in 2003 is estimated at a record 4.2 million tonnes, a significant recovery from the 2002 drought-affected crop of 1.5 million tonnes and double the average for the preceding five years. As a result, imports of cereals in 2003/04 (July/June) are expected to decrease by more than 2.6 million tonnes to about 4.8 million tonnes.