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Morocco’s total cereal production for 2020 is expected to stand at about 4.1 million tonnes, one-fourth lower than the previous year’s «already weather-stricken harvest and about 50 percent below average», the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said.
In a food security snapshot published, Wednesday, the UN body stressed that drought and high temperatures are behind unfavorable prospects for 2020 crop production in Morocco.
The note explains that «crop conditions in the southwestern parts of the country are poor due to the late onset of the rains that delayed plantings and drought conditions since the beginning of the year following below‑average precipitation amounts coupled with high temperatures».
«While planting in northern Morocco and Oriental Region took place on time, dry weather conditions and high temperatures from January to March affected growth and decreased yield potential».
Wheat production in Morocco is expected to fall from 4.1 million tons last year to 3 million tons for this year, which represents a 50 percent decline. As a result, wheat imports are expected to rise in 2020 and 2021 to support domestic production.
Despite the situation, food price inflation has recorded in March 2020 a 3 percent decreases compared to the same period last year.
