FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - TUNISIA (12 June)
Normal rains in May benefited the 2002 cereal crops which had been seriously affected by dry weather. Aggregate cereal production is expected to decline from the average level in 2001. Harvesting has only started and production of wheat, the main cereal, is provisionally forecast to decrease from last year’s 1.1 million tonnes to some 500 000 tonnes. A below-average barley output is also anticipated.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) should, nevertheless, remain close to the 1.2 million tonnes in marketing year 2001/02. The shortfall in production is expected to be met by drawing from last year’s carry-over stocks.