Abundant rains have benefited the development of the 1997 wheat crop. Harvesting has just started and a satisfactory output is provisionally forecast; however, the outcome of the crop will be significantly determined by the intensity and duration of the rains which are forecast for the weeks ahead as a consequence of El Niņo-related effect. Planting of the 1997/98 maize crop continues and the area planted is tentatively forecast to be above average. The intended area planted of the important irrigated paddy crop is also expected to be at near record level, reflecting expanding exports to neighbouring countries.