Irregular and ill-distributed rains, combined with abnormally high temperatures attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, continue to be reported. However, more abundant rains are forecast in the next few months. No damage has so far been reported to the 1997 first season maize and paddy crops currently being harvested. Early forecasts indicate that maize output should be about 90 000 tons, which compares to last year’s 85 000 tons and to an average 82 000 tons in the past 5 years. The output of paddy, a main staple, is anticipated to remain close to the 1996 level of 270 000 tons, reflecting continuing finance problems faced by the Government in the import of farm inputs. A satisfactory output of vegetables and roots has been collected so far.
Harvesting of the 1997/98 sugar cane crop, a major foreign exchange earner, has started early to avoid possible El Niño effects which are forecast in the months ahead. Preliminary forecasts point to a level of production close to the low 1996/97 crop of 4.2 million tons.
Wheat imports in the 1997/98 marketing year (July/June) are anticipated at about 900 000 tons. Maize imports should be about 255 000 tons, while rice imports in 1998 (January/December) are forecast to be between 375 000 and 400 000 tons to meet steady domestic demand of approximately 500 000 tons.