FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 01/00 - TUNISIA (7 February)
TUNISIA (7 February)
Land preparation and planting of crops were somewhat delayed by below-normal rainfall and high temperatures in September/October. Conditions improved substantially in November/December with widespread rains over most growing areas. The area sown to cereals, mainly wheat, in 1999/2000 season is currently estimated at 1.4 million hectares, slightly lower than the previous year's level. Overall, prospects for harvests from May are currently favourable. However, more timely rains will be needed during the next few months to ensure a good harvest.
1999 cereal production is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes, 9 percent above the previous year. This includes 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, which is 3 percent more than in 1998. Cereals imports in 1999/2000 (July/June) are estimated at about 1.4 million tonnes, mostly wheat and maize.