FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - EGYPT (18 June)
Following generally good growing conditions for the 2001 largely irrigated wheat and barley crops, aggregate cereal production is expected to be above average and only slightly below last year’s good harvest of about 19 million tonnes. The wheat crop is tentatively forecast at about 6.3 million tonnes, which is above average but some 4 percent below the 2000 level, as a result of a small reduction in area planted. Maize harvest is expected to be similar to last year’s average level of 6.2 million tonnes. Planting of the 2001 paddy crop is underway under normal weather conditions. The 2000 paddy harvest stands at about 6 million tonnes, some 3 percent over the previous year's above average level. Imports of wheat in 2001/02 (July/June) are forecast at about 6.8 million tonnes, while coarse grain imports are projected at 4 million tonnes.