May 21, 2004

Algeria Sees 2004 Grain Output Steady At 4.25 Million MT
 
The Algerian government has made a first evaluation of the 2004 cereal output at 4.25 million metric tons, an Agriculture Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
 
The forecast figure is nearly unchanged from last season's 4.2 million tons harvested following good weather conditions.
 
The source said the forecast was disclosed this week by the Agriculture Minister at a cabinet meeting, but could not provide a breakdown by cereal type.
 
Algeria's harvest is due to start early next month over the 2.9 million hectares of grain areas, almost all located in the country's northern fertile lands.
 
Despite the good production forecasts, Algeria remains dependant on imports, with average purchases of 6 million tons per year to meet its domestic demand.