FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF (2 June)

Drought and the worst water shortage in three decades, severely affected domestic crop production this year. The Government is urging farmers to reduce water consumption and dig wells to make up for rainfall shortage. The worst affected areas are reported to be in dry land areas around Ardebil province in the north west, which depends almost entirely on rainfall. As a result of drought, a serious water problem is also expected in the country from June. Domestic wheat production is projected to fall to around 9 million tonnes this year, some 25 percent lower than last year. As a result of the shortfall in crop output, imports are likely to be appreciably higher this year.

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