JORDAN ( 19 February)
The sowing of the 2003 winter grains was completed in December under generally improved weather conditions. Average to above average precipitation in December and January has improved soil moisture and bode well to the development of crops.
Aggregate production of wheat and barley in 2002 was estimated at 133 000 tonnes, nearly three times more than the reduced crop of the previous year. Domestic cereal production normally meets only a small proportion of consumption requirements the rest being covered by imports. Imports of wheat in 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at 840 000 tonnes, about the same as last year. Coarse grain imports are forecast at 800 000 tonnes, slightly lower than last year.