Unseasonable dry weather since end-June has negatively affected the developing first season crops, particularly in the extreme southeastern region, which includes the provinces of Morazán, San Miguel, Usultán and La Uniòn. In view of the anticipated impact of “El Niño” in the next few months, a series of measures are being contemplated by the Government to help mitigate its possible effects. Eventual problems of drought may result and the reinforcement of current reserves of maize, beans and rice, is being planned, as well as other contingency strategies, in the provinces to be most likely affected. As a consequence of the damage incurred to the first season maize crop, production of maize is presently forecast at about 540 000 tons compared to last year's 630 000 tons and a 5-year average of 619 000 tons. The outlook is uncertain for the sorghum and paddy crops, as well as for the bean crop.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1997/98 (August/July) should increase from the previous year's 195 000 tons to about 205 000 tons. Maize imports should increase from last year’s 185 000 tons to 300 000 tons to help cover the deficit in production. Rice imports in marketing year 1997 (January/December) should be about 205 000 tons, close to 1996.