FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - MOROCCO (2 June)
Aggregate 1999 cereal output is forecast to drop sharply as a result of inadequate rainfall and reduced plantings. Reports of reduced sales of quality seeds and fertilizers also suggest that yields will be lower. The wheat crop is tentatively forecast at about 2.1 million tonnes, some 50 percent below 1998 and similar to the drought-reduced level of 1997. The winter barley crop, which was also affected by drought, is forecast to be 27 percent lower than the 1998 level of about 2 million tonnes. Maize harvest is expected to be similar to the 200 000 tonnes harvested in 1998.
Imports of wheat in 1999/2000 (July/June) are forecast at 2.7 million tonnes while coarse grain imports are projected at 1.5 million tonnes.