FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - SYRIA (5 June)
The worst drought in recent years severely damaged the wheat and barley crops being harvested. Rainfall this year is reported to have been less than fifty percent of average. Several rivers were reported to have dried up affecting irrigated summer crops. Wheat production in 1999 is forecast at 2.8 million tonnes, well below last year’s 4.1 million tonnes and about 30 percent below average. The barley crop is estimated at 700 000 tonnes, about 48 percent below average.
Wheat stocks are reported to be adequate but barley imports are anticipated to increase to meet feed demand as a result of the loss of pasture.
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