Crop conditions improved following heavy rains from mid-September on most islands. Maize planting in August in the agricultural islands followed the arrival of the rains in late July. However, with generally below-average rains in August, crop prospects became unfavourable but heavy rains associated with strong winds were received on most islands during the third dekad of September, benefiting crops and pastures.
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled from 23 to 28 October to estimate the 2000 cereal production.
