Decline of wheat and barley production in Syria

According to the Agriculture Ministry in Syria, the Syrian wheat, barley, and cotton production declined in 2010. It is mainly due to the bad weather and the outbreaks of pest.
The Agriculture Ministry in Syria predicted that wheat production decreased by 17% in 2010. It is equal to 3.08 million tons. Yellow rust causes serious injury on wheat crop. The Government has estimated that wheat production is about 4.5 million tons.
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Gain production was affected by drought in Syria. The Agriculture Ministry requires farmers to improve plant areas of winter crops such as barley.