Cereal harvest in 2002 is estimated at an unprecedented 5.3 million tonnes, which is some 1.4 million tonnes higher than the preceding year and the average harvest of the past six years. This year’s harvest includes some 4.9 million tonnes of wheat, 160 000 tonnes of barley and 120 000 tonnes of maize. Improved precipitation, water availability and relatively improved access to inputs are the main factors contributing to this year’s bumper crop.
National consumption needs are estimated at about 5.1 million tonnes, which will be entirely met by domestic production including accumulation of stocks. Cereal imports for 2002/03 marketing year is estimated at 362 000 tonnes, mainly high quality wheat (280 000 tonnes), rice (60 000 tonnes) and maize (20 000 tonnes).