TAJIKISTAN* (2 June)
Latest reports indicate that Tajikistan will be able to match last year’s significantly improved cereal harvest estimated at 614 000 tonnes. The government had hoped for a larger crop this year even compared with the improved harvest in 2002, however, mudslides during early spring in the southern parts of the country somewhat compromised cereal harvest this year. This aggregate includes 530 000 tonnes of wheat and 53 000 tonnes of coarse grains. Despite improved cereal production Tajikistan needs to import some 440 000 tonnes of wheat, including 100 000 tonnes in food aid, to meet domestic cereal requirement.