Rainfall was abundant and above average from mid-August to early November. Cumulative rainfall as of the end of October, and the vegetation index are above average over the whole country. Harvesting of millet and sorghum is drawing to an end in the north, while the second maize crop is growing satisfactorily in the centre. The prospects for the 1997 output are good. However, African migratory locust infestations have developed in the north, from recently reported swarms in southern Chad, and could damage the millet and sorghum crops. They are also threatening recession crops currently being planted. Control operations have started in the affected areas.

The cereal import requirement for 1997/98 (July/June) is estimated at 260 000 tons of wheat and rice and 10 000 tons of coarse grains.