FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - MOROCCO (2 June)
Despite normal rains in the first half of March, moisture deficits are still reported in the main cereal growing areas, with reduced plantings and yields. Some 600 000 hectares of rainfed crops in the south and central parts are officially reported to have been affected by inadequate precipitation. By contrast, growing conditions are reported as favourable for the irrigated crops, particularly in the east and north of the country, where water reservoirs are at normal levels. Overall prospects are, however, unfavourable. Harvesting of the 2002 cereal crops has just started in the south and production of wheat is forecast at 1.7 million tonnes compared to 3.3 million tonnes in 2001 and 2.7 million tonnes average of the last five years. Barley output is also forecast to be below average.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are anticipated to increase from 3 million tonnes last year to about 3.5 million tonnes. Coarse grain imports, mainly maize, are also expected to increase from 1.6 to 1.8 million tonnes.