Widespread unseasonable rains fell over most parts of the country in September and October, providing sufficient moisture for land preparation and early planting of the 1997/98 maize crop. However, as the country is in an area expected to be severely affected by El Niño, farmers have been warned of the increased likelihood of drought and encouraged to take steps to reduce production risks during the season. The 1997 maize harvest has been revised upward and is now estimated at 85 000 tons, which is slightly above average but well below last year’s crop.
The overall food supply situation for the 1997/98 marketing year is expected to remain satisfactory due to the availability of large carryover stocks from the good maize harvest of 1996. All cereal imports during the year are expected to be covered through commercial channels.