Harvesting of the 1998 cereal crop is well advanced. Total output is expected to be above average as a result of favourable weather conditions during much of the season. Initial indications are that cereal production should be about 100 000 tonnes, mostly maize. As a consequence, the overall food supply situation in the 1998/99 marketing year is expected to be satisfactory and most of the food import needs are expected to be met commercially.