Improved weather conditions have benefited the growth of the 2001/02 maize crop following a period of intensive rains at planting (October-December), which resulted in a significant reduction in plantings, and weeks of dry weather in February which adversely affected the developing crop. Harvesting is underway in the main growing areas in northern Buenos Aires province, Santa Fe and Córdoba and maize yields so far are higher than earlier anticipated. By end March, about 15 per cent of the total maize crop had been harvested. Maize output is presently forecast at about 12.5 million tonnes, an improvement over earlier estimates but still below the average of the past 5 years. Weather conditions also favoured development of the paddy crop. Harvesting is underway and an average crop is forecast.