Production of wheat in 1998 is expected to be about 5.8 million tonnes, some 9 percent higher than the average for the last five years. Maize output is expected to increase from last year’s level as the government has been promoting a new wheat-maize mix bread. Low number of adult Desert Locusts may appear and breed in a few oases near Lake Nasser and in the western Desert.
Imports of wheat and wheat flour in 1998/99 (July/June) are forecast at 6.9 million tonnes and coarse grains imports at 3 million tonnes.