FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - MOROCCO (1 February)
Below-normal rains delayed sowing of the 2001/02 winter wheat and barley. Total plantings close to last year’s below- average level are reported, with the exception of some areas in the north and east and in the Chaouia-Doukkala zone which received abundant rains at the end of December. The much awaited rains also helped improve pasture conditions. Harvest prospects for the country as a whole are uncertain as irrigation has been restricted in some of the drought affected areas.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are provisionally forecast to be somewhat below the 2000/01 imports of some 3.3 million tonnes. Barley imports are also anticipated to be close to the 2000/01 level.