Harvesting of the 2001 winter crops is underway and a recovery is in prospect from the poor crop of 2000. Wheat output is expected to be double the drought-reduced level of 2000, but prolonged dry conditions in March/April during the grain filling stage may result in lower than expected yields and outputs in several areas. Aggregate cereal production this year is anticipated to be about 2 million tonnes, which is much above last year�s crop but below the average of the last five years. As a consequence, imports of cereals, mostly wheat, are forecast at about 7 million tonnes in the marketing year 2001/02 (July/June).
Following generally good growing conditions for the 2001 largely irrigated wheat and barley crops, aggregate cereal production is expected to be above average and only slightly below last year�s good harvest of about 19 million tonnes. The wheat crop is tentatively forecast at about 6.3 million tonnes, which is above average but some 4 percent below the 2000 level, as a result of a small reduction in area planted. Maize harvest is expected to be similar to last year�s average level of 6.2 million tonnes. Planting of the 2001 paddy crop is underway under normal weather conditions. The 2000 paddy harvest stands at about 6 million tonnes, some 3 percent over the previous year's above average level. Imports of wheat in 2001/02 (July/June) are forecast at about 6.8 million tonnes, while coarse grain imports are projected at 4 million tonnes.
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.
Harvesting of the 2001 winter crops is underway. Aggregate cereal output is anticipated to be close to 1.2 million tonnes against an average of 1.7 million tonnes. Although growing conditions have been generally favourable for winter grains in the northern region, a prolonged dry spell in the centre and the south adversely affected yields and output in these areas. Preliminary estimates of wheat production point to an output close to 900 000 tonnes, which is slightly above last year�s drought-reduced level and below average. Barley output is also expected to rise from 241 000 tonnes to about 325 000 tonnes, but to remain below average. Imports of cereals in 2001/02 (July/June), mostly wheat, maize and barley are forecast at some 1.7 million tonnes.