Land preparation is underway. Scattered limited rains have been registered in late June in the highlands of Santiago island but planting of maize normally starts in July with the onset of regular rains.
Following a record harvest in 1999, the availability of seeds is adequate. However, maize seeds have been requested in Praia area on Santiago island and in São Nicolau island. Treatments against Nezara viridula have been undertaken in Santa Cruz area on Santiago island.