The rainy season started in late March and was generally favourable. However, a dry period, which usually occurs in late July/early August, lasted much longer than usual, delaying the second season planting in the south. The vegetation index from satellite imagery shows normal to above normal vegetation in October. Millet and sorghum are currently being harvested in the north. Food supply prospects for 1997/98 are good in Atacora province, mixed in Borgou due to irregular rains, and about normal in the southern part of the country. Areas planted during the first growing season are below normal for maize, but well above normal for other crops, notably millet, sorghum, rice and yams. First production estimates point to about 916 000 tons of cereals and 2.5 million tons of roots and tubers, which is well above average.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Following the harvest of yams and the first maize and sorghum crops, prices have decreased on the markets which are adequately supplied. The Government is setting up a security stock of about 1 000 tons of maize and assisting with the establishment of on-farm stocks. There are about 11 000 Togolese refugees remaining in Benin. The cereal import requirement for 1997 (January/December) is estimated at 190 000 tons (including re-exports), mostly wheat and rice, including 16 000 tons of food aid.