FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - MOROCCO (18 June)
The 2001 production of wheat and sorghum being harvested is expected to exceed 4.6 million tonnes, more than double the drought-affected level of 2000, on account of favourable conditions in northern and central areas. However, this is below the average of the past five years, as a much reduced output is anticipated in the southern regions as a result of inadequate rainfall and reduced plantings. The wheat crop is officially forecast at about 3.4 million tonnes, more than twice last year’s drought-reduced level. The barley crop, which was also affected by drought in 2000, is also forecast to be more than double the previous year output of about 500 000 million tonnes. Imports of wheat in 2001/02 (July/June) are forecast at about 3 million tonnes, while coarse grain imports are projected at about 1.5 million tonnes.