The wheat crop for harvest in April/May next year is now being planted. To the extent weather conditions are normal, no serious damage from outbreaks of pests and disease, and the government’s intention materializes, a large crop can be expected.
Low to moderate numbers of adults desert locusts are likely to be present on the coastal plains of the Red Sea from Jezan to Wejh where they are expected to lay in areas of recent rainfall. Consequently, there is a risk that locust numbers will significantly increase since breeding this year is likely to occur earlier than in previous years, allowing for several generations if rains continue in the coming months.
A policy aimed at encouraging barley production in the country is being pursued by the government. The five-year development plan targets a cut in water usage, particularly in agriculture, which consumes about 90 percent of all water used in the country. Wheat output in 1997 is estimated at 1.5 million tons, some 25 percent higher than last year; the barley harvest is estimated at around 450 000 tons, similar to the 1996 crop.
Imports of barley in 1997/98 (July/June) are forecast at 5.6 million tons. Barley consumption in the next few years is expected to increase significantly as poultry, dairy and sheep breeding and fattening projects continue to expand. The government has announced a measure to limit vegetable imports as a means of protecting farm products and livestock from imports.