FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - ALGERIA (4 September)
Harvesting of the 2001 cereal crops has been completed and aggregate production is provisionally estimated at 2.6 million tonnes, a significant recovery from last year’s drought affected levels. About 2.0 million tonnes of wheat have been harvested compared to 750 000 tonnes the year before, while barley output, mainly used for feed, increased from 300 000 tonnes to 573 000 tonnes.
Despite improvements in production, substantial cereal imports are still necessary to meet domestic requirements. Wheat imports in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are forecast at about 5 million tonnes, while some 600 000 tonnes of barley are anticipated.