FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (6 November)
Latest information points to an increase in wheat output this year after last year’s severely drought reduced yields. Precipitation is reported to have been much closer to normal for the winter grain season and somewhat above normal for the spring/summer crops. Tentative estimates put wheat production at about 250 000 tonnes compared to the recent average of about 300 000 tonnes. Early prospects for the next 2002/2003 winter grain season are generally favourable with substantial rainfall during part of the summer ensuring soil moisture levels are adequate, and probably better than last year, for planting and emergence of the winter grains.