Despite normal rainfall in early February, the water balance is still showing an above-average deficit in the country, except for the northwestern parts which received abundant precipitation in November and December. This has resulted in significantly lower than average plantings for the whole of the country. Yields are anticipated to be slightly below average. The outlook for the 2001/02 winter cereal crops, to be harvested from June, has therefore considerably deteriorated and outputs of wheat and barley, the main cereals, are expected to be below the average of the past 5 years.
Imports of wheat in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at 4.9 million tonnes,same level as in 2001/02 (July/June). Food aid from the international community continues to be delivered to refugees fleeing from Western Sahara.
Planting of the 2002 irrigated wheat crop, as well as that of barley and other food crops such as lentils, beans, chick peas, etc., has been completed under normal weather conditions. An increase in the area planted is reported for some of the crops, particularly barley.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are expected to increase on the previous year to about 6.2 million tonnes, reflecting the strong demand for this food staple.
Drier than normal weather in January and February has aggravated the moisture deficit in the main growing areas, with the exception of some parts in the east and north of the country. A smaller planted area has resulted, particularly for wheat, while yields are also anticipated to be lower than normal. Harvesting of the 2001/02 cereal crops is due to start from May and below-average outputs are forecast.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are expected to increase from the 3 million tonnes imported in 2001/02.
With the exception of some parts in the north and south east, the country continues to be affected by below-normal rainfall. Harvesting of the 2001/02 wheat and barley crops is due to start from June. Production is anticipated to be close to the low outputs of the past five years.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are expected to be about 1.2 million tonnes, similar to 2001/02.