MOROCCO (18 September)
Typical dry weather for the season prevails, although some modest to relatively abundant rains were reported in the north as well as in various areas in the south during the past three months. Wheat production in 2003 has been estimated at a record high of 5.1 million tonnes, which compares to the above-average 3.4 million tonnes collected in 2002. Production of barley, the main coarse grain grown in the country, has also increased substantially from last year’s 1.7 million tonnes to a record 2.6 million tonnes. The increase in production has been the result of the favourable rainfall pattern at planting and throughout the developing period. The increased use of fertilizers and other improved farm inputs have also contributed to crop success.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 should decline as a consequence of the increase in production. Some 1.7 million tonnes of wheat should be imported, which compares to 2.7 million tonnes imported the year before. Maize imports are expected to increase from the level of 2002/03 (July/June), when 850 000 tonnes were imported.