Planting of the 1998/99 wheat crop is about to start under generally normal conditions. Normal to above-normal rains are forecast in the weeks ahead. Plantings are expected to increase from 1997/98 as the crop was affected by heavy rains associated with El Niņo and the area planted in the main growing areas consequently reduced. Harvesting of the 1998 maize crop has started and early forecasts point to an average 900 000 tonnes which compares to a low 780 000 tonnes in 1997. The anticipated recovery would be largely due to increased plantings and improved yields relative to the previous year.