February 17, 2006

Syria's wheat production to reach 4.7 million tones in 2006/07

Syria's wheat production was strong in 2005 because there was sufficient rainfall in production areas during the growing season, according to USDA's Feb 2 report on Syria's grain and feed.

The 2005 crop production was estimated at 4.7 million tones. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform reported total harvested areas for wheat were 1.7 million hectares. Similarly, USDA predicts Syria's crop for 2006/07 to reach 4.7 million tones, based on similar rainfall patterns.

Syria's corn production has been stable and is expected to reach 125,000 tonnes in 2006/2006. This will be produced from 50,000 hectares.

While a small portion of the local corn crop is for human consumption, most of the corn crop in Syria is used for animal feed, especially for poultry. While poultry production is increasing in general, bird flu concerns in late 2005 have affected the consumption and eventually the production of poultry. In turn, this has a negative effect on demand for poultry feed.  

For the full USDA report, click here.