JORDAN (1 May)
Aggregate output of wheat and barley in 2004 is forecast to be drastically reduced compared to last year’s good crop due to below-normal rainfall and high temperatures. Domestic cereal production normally meets only a small proportion of consumption requirements, the rest being covered by imports. Imports of wheat in 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast at 840 000 tonnes, similar to last year. Coarse grain imports are forecast at 900 000 tonnes, 12 percent higher than last year.