Latest reports point to a sharply recovered cereal harvest of about 5.3 million tonnes in 2002, which is some 1.4 million tonnes higher than the preceding year and the average harvest of the past six years. This year’s harvest includes some 4.9 million tonnes of wheat, 160 000 tonnes of barley and 120 000 tonnes of maize. Larger areas grown to cereals, at the expense of cotton, improved precipitation and water availability are the main factors contributing to this year’s improved cereal harvest.
Uzbekistan will be able to meet most of its cereal consumption needs, which is estimated at about 5.2 million tonnes. Cereal imports for 2002/03 marketing year is estimated at 412 000 tonnes, mainly high quality wheat (280 000 tonnes), rice (104 000 tonnes) and maize (20 000 tonnes).