AGRICULTURAL production is expected to increase by 10 per cent in 1998, according to US Department of Agriculture forecasts. Good winter and spring rainfall has allowed crops to rebound this year following poor yields in 1997.

Turkey's important fruit and tree nut crops are set to perform particularly strongly along with gains in grain production - expected to reach a record 30 million tonnes.

Programmes encouraging farmers to use improved varieties and fertilisers have contributed to a rise in the area devoted to wheat production and Turkey is expected to export 2 million tonnes this year. Output is forecast to hit 18.5 million tonnes, up from 16 million tonnes last year. Barley yields are also set to rise this year - up 8 per cent on last year's figures - which will contribute to a rise in exports. Maize is also expected to increase 8 per cent to 2.6 million tonnes along with rice production which is predicted to reach 330,000 tonnes from 290,000 tonnes.

After a disappointing 1997, fruit production is enjoying a more productive year after consistent good weather. Apple output is set to rise to 2.4 million tonnes from 2 million tonnes last year, grapes should increase to 3.8 million tonnes, and pears are expected to rebound 16 per cent to 430,000 tonnes. Likewise, oranges are expected to rise from 700,000 tonnes last year to 920,000 tonnes, and lemon and mandarin yields are also forecast to increase. One of the biggest increases is expected to be in hazelnut production, of which Turkey is the leading world producer. Yields are forecast to rebound 27 per cent to about 470,000 tonnes this year.

The GAP irrigation project in south central Turkey has provided extra land for cotton and speciality crops. Cotton production is scheduled to record a slight rise this year which should push the farm value up to about $1,000 million.

A commitment towards improving the quality of tobacco has meant higher prices for producers which has in turn encouraged them to expand the area of production of the crop. Yields are set to hit 256,000 tonnes this year, from 239,000 the previous year.