Morocco's 2002-2003 grain yields to grow by 59%, ministry

The 2002-2003 cereal production is expected to stand at 8 million tons, which is a 59% rise as compares to last year, the department of agriculture and rural development said in a release Friday.

The 2002-2003 production, one of the most important harvests over the last decade, exceeds the average recorded in the last five years by 87%, the department said. Wheat production scored a 23% rise, with 1.84 million tons, while soft wheat production reached 3.54 million tons, making 44.3% of the overall autumn cereal production.

Barley production is estimated at some 2.6 million tons. This year, the surface dedicated to autumn cereal production reached 5.3 million hectares, i.e. a 15% rise in comparison with last year, and of 6% as compares with the average of the last five years. The ministry explains this good harvest by regular and sufficient rainfalls in Morocco this year.