Harvesting of the secondary paddy and coarse grains is almost complete. The output of paddy in 1997/98 is forecast at some 10.6 million tonnes, 5 percent lower than last year. The decrease is due to lack of adequate irrigation water caused by the prolonged El Niño-related drought. Maize production is also expected to decline by some 5 percent from last year’s output of 4.3 million tonnes. Moreover, planting of the main season paddy crop is hampered by the drought conditions. These conditions have affected several provinces in Mindanao, resulting in severe food shortages, particularly South Cotabato, Saranggani, Maguindanao and North Cotabato. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has estimated that about 497 000 households are affected, of which 211 900 households are in dire need. The NFA is reported to have contracted a record import of 1.35 million tonnes of rice for delivery this year.