SYRIA (19 February)
Reflecting improved weather conditions, the prospects for the wheat and barley crops to be harvested from May are favourable. Production of wheat in 2002 is estimated at an above average level of 4.5 million tonnes. Barley output is also estimated at an above average 800 000 tonnes but nearly 15 percent below the previous year’s good crop.
Imports of wheat and rice in 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at a total of 235 000 tonnes, nearly the same as last year while those of maize are forecast at 500 000 tonnes, nearly 40 percent below the previous year.