FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/99 - SYRIA (4 November)
Recent light showers in northern parts of the country prompted planting of winter grains. However, lack of rains and above-normal temperatures in the south have delayed planting. Sowing of the 2000 wheat and barley crops is expected to continue until mid-January next year. Crop and livestock production in 1999 was seriously affected by the worst drought in decades. As a result, barley production, which is almost entirely rainfed, is estimated at 380 000 tonnes, around 72 percent below the previous five-year average. Wheat production, 40 percent of which is irrigated, is estimated at 2.74 million tonnes, about 28 percent below average. The drought had also devastated range vegetation leading to a significant increase in sheep mortality rates that seriously affected household incomes and exposed a large number of the Badia population to food shortages. Domestic wheat requirements in 1999/2000 (July/June), estimated at about 3.8 million tonnes, are anticipated to be met from current production and existing stocks. However, significant barley imports, estimated at around 1.18 million tonnes, are needed to compensate for the loss of feed and forage. In view of the country's economic slowdown, Government imports are estimated at only 200 000 tonnes, leaving an uncovered deficit of 980 000 tonnes. As part of an emergency measure, private sector imports of barley have been authorised this year, but with low purchasing power of herders, only limited quantities are anticipated to be imported. On 7 October, an emergency operation was jointly approved by FAO and WFP to assist 329 000 herders in the drought affected areas of the country for six months (October 1999 to March 2000), for a total cost of US$ 5.46 million.
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