Prospects for the mainly irrigated wheat crop, to be harvested from mid-April 1998, are favourable. Wheat production in 1997 is estimated at about 5.8 million tonnes. Maize output is estimated at 5.9 million tonnes. A few locust swarms may appear on the south-eastern coastal plains during periods of southerly winds. Unless more rains fall, these are likely to continue further north along the coastal plains or move east across the Red Sea.
Imports of wheat and wheat flour in 1997/98 (July/June) are forecast at 6.8 million tonnes and coarse grains imports at 2.6 million tonnes.