Heavy rains prevail in some parts of the country while precipitation shortfall is reported in others, but with no adverse effect on the 1998 cereal crops currently being planted. The intended area planted to maize should be about average, a recovery from last year’s drought affected crop. Plantings of the irrigated paddy crop are forecast to be above average. Maize imports in 1998 (January/December) should be close to 1997 receipts, while imports of rice are forecast to increase from about 40 000 tonnes to some 50 000 tonnes, reflecting government measures to avoid stockpiling and price speculations in case of any eventual crop damage to this important staple in the population’s diet.