Planting of the 1998 wheat crop has started under wetter than normal conditions attributed to El Niño. The area planted is expected to be close to last year’s slightly above-average level.
Harvesting of the 1998 maize crop is underway and early forecasts indicate that output should decline from 1997 historic record but would still remain well above average. Harvesting of the paddy crop is about to be completed and production should be close to last year’s record.