Light rains around mid-October favoured the developing 1997 paddy, maize and bean crops, for harvesting from December, as well as other minor food crops. The rains were, however, too late for any significant recovery from losses incurred to first season crops by early El Niņo-associated effects. Early prospects are uncertain for planting of the 1998 crops, to be started from March, as dry weather is forecast to continue in the months ahead. A request for international assistance has been recently made.