After irregular and below-average rains in May and June, precipitation improved in early July and remained widespread and regular through August, although decreasing somewhat in late August. Reflecting improved growing conditions, coarse grains are developing satisfactorily. Millet and sorghum are heading in the Sudanian zone and tillering in the Sahelian zone. Pastures are generally adequate in both the Sudanian and Sahelian zones. Grasshopper attacks are reported on millet in Abéché, Abougoudam, Mabrone, Massakory and Mongo regions while army worm infestations are reported in Abéché and Guéra regions. No desert locust activity is reported.
Following the release of final production estimates by national statistical services, the aggregate 2001 cereal production is estimated at a record 1.31 million tonnes, 44 percent higher than the previous year and 23 percent above average. As a result, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory, especially in the chronically food deficit areas in the Sahelian zone which harvested poor crops in 2000. However, some 143 000 people in the Sudanian zone are at risk of food shortages as a result of floods that affected 144 000 hectares of arable land.
Cereal import requirement of in 2001/02 marketing year (November/October) is estimated at 71 000 tonnes, including 14 000 tonnes of food aid.