Prospects for the 1998 crop to be harvested in April/May are favourable given that no serious outbreaks of pests and disease occur in the coming months. If no further rains occur and as temperatures increase in the interior, adults desert locusts are likely to move east across the mountains towards Hail, Wadis Najran and Dawasir, and Oman. If rains fall in the interior, laying could occur.
Imports of barley in 1997/98 (July/June) are currently forecast at 5 million tonnes. Due to the application of the government subsidy policies, the country has reached the stage of self-sufficiency in many crops and livestock commodities, including wheat, dates and fresh milk. To protect theses achievements, the government has imposed a 100 percent customs duties on similar types of imported commodities so that local products can compete with similar imported products.