Following erratic and below-average rains until late June, which necessitated replantings in most regions and shortened the growing season, precipitation has improved significantly since July with regular and better distribution. Reflecting these favourable growing conditions, coarse grains are developing satisfactorily. However, due to the erratic start of the rainy season, stages of development vary greatly in the regions and are generally late compared to normal years. In the east, cereals are generally emerging, while in the west and centre they are in the elongation/flowering and heading stages. In the north they are in the tillering/elongation stages. Due to the delayed rains and initial dry conditions, crops will need rains until October to reach full maturity.
The final 2001 production estimates released by the statistical services indicate that aggregate production of cereals reached a record of 3.1 million tonnes, 36 percent higher than the previous year and 22 percent above average.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. However, above-normal cereal prices have been reported and localized food shortages may persist in areas which harvested poor crops due to early cessation of the rains.