Accumulated moisture deficits diminished in the northwestern and eastern parts as a consequence of the moderate rains in March. The outlook is uncertain, however, for planting of the 1998 first season cereal crops, which is about to start, as drier than normal conditions are forecast to persist in the next few weeks, particularly in some Caribbean coastal areas and Andean zones, and farmers are still fearful of planting their rainfed crops. Maize plantings are expected to be lower than average, while growers of paddy, the other main cereal, in the main producing eastern areas have started sowing in February.
Maize imports in marketing year 1998 (January/December) are expected to be close to last year’s high level of receipts while paddy imports are so far forecast at 350 000 tonnes compared to less than 200 000 tonnes in 1997.