Aggregate cereal production in 2002 is estimated at 5.3 million tonnes, some 10 percent higher than last year and above average. This total includes an estimated 190 000 tonnes of maize recently harvested, 3.4 million tonnes of wheat, 1.6 million tonnes of barley and 81 000 tonnes, in aggregate, of rice, rye, oats, millet and sorghum. Above-normal and well-distributed rains since April helped substantially the wheat and barley crops, particularly in the northern parts of the country, as well as improving pasture conditions.
Imports of both wheat and coarse grains in 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast to decline from last year by 7.6 percent, to 2.8 million tonnes and 1.5 million tonnes, respectively.
Production of sugar beet in 2002 is expected to reach 3.3 million tonnes, 10 percent higher than last year, mostly reflecting an increase of some 6 percent in the area planted. By contrast, the sugar cane harvest is anticipated to fall by 21 percent, compared to the previous season, to some 1 million tonnes, mainly as a result of a 16 percent reduction in the area planted.