FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/01 - IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF (21 March)

Light rain was received in the main winter wheat growing areas in the western and north-eastern parts of the country during the first two dekads of March. Wheat is normally planted in September/October and harvested in April/May. Rain fed barley which is essential for livestock feed is also planted from September onward for harvest in March.

In 2000 the affect of two successive years of drought seriously affected agriculture and livestock production. The drought was the worst since 1964 and affected an estimated 37 million people or over 50 percent of the population. Consequently 2000 wheat production is estimated to have fallen to around 8 million tonnes, some 700 000 tonnes lower than the already drought reduced crop in 1999 and almost 2 million tonnes below the five year average.

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