JORDAN (2 June)
Aggregate output of wheat and barley in 2003 is forecast at 147 000 tonnes, about 20 percent above last year’s crop and nearly three times the previous five years average mainly due to favourable weather. This is despite heavy rains, floods and snow storms earlier in the year that resulted in heavy crop damage. 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, slightly lower than last year. Coarse grain imports are forecast at 800 000 tonnes, about the same as in 2001/02.