FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - ALGERIA (18 June)
Harvesting of the 2002 wheat crop, the main cereal, has only started. Normal to abundant rains in March and April helped the developing crop which had previously been affected by prolonged dry weather, with the exception of the northwestern areas which had normal rainfall at planting. Production of about 2 million tonnes of wheat is tentatively forecast which is close to the 2001 bumper crop. An above-average barley output as in the previous year, is also anticipated.
Imports of wheat in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at 4.6 million tonnes in response to the steady demand for this important staple. Food aid from the international community continues to be provided to refugees from Western Sahara.