Following irregular and below-average rains in May and June, precipitation improved in early July and remained widespread and regular until early September, although decreasing in mid-August in the south and west. Reflecting this improvement, crops are growing satisfactorily and no crop stress is reported. Millet, sorghum and rainfed rice are generally in the tillering/elongation stages while maize is in the elongation/flowering stages. Pastures are generally adequate. Grain-eating birds are reported in several regions, notably in Dioro. Grasshopper infestations are also reported , notably on the pastures of the Sahelian zone. Army worms and rodents are also reported in a few places. The desert locust situation is reported to be calm but scattered adults are likely to be present in the north with small-scale breeding expected, but the situation remains below threatening levels.
Following well above-average cereal harvest in 2001, estimated at 2.87 million tonnes (including paddy), the overall food situation is satisfactory. Cereal import requirement in 2001/02 (November/October) is estimated at 90 000 tonnes, including 5 000 tonnes of wheat as food aid.