Cereal production in 1997 is expected to be significantly lower than last year’s record of 2.9 million tons, but of higher quality due to absence of diseases. Due to unfavourable weather and lower plantings, the output of the wheat crop is estimated at 660,000 tons, about one-third of the previous year’s harvest, while barley production is estimated to decline by 570 000 tons to 265 000 tons. The area planted to cereals in the 1996/97 season dropped markedly, especially in the main producing northern areas.
Imports of wheat in 1997/98 (July/June) are forecast to increase sharply to 1.1 million tons from 0.4 million tons imported last year. In the current year the country will also need to resume barley imports.