Seasonal dry conditions prevail. Planting of the 1997 cereal crops is not scheduled until June. The 1996 cereal and pulses output was poor due to severe dry weather in July/August when crops were at a critical stage in growth. An FAO Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to the country in December estimated 1996 grain production at 132 000 tons, some 11 percent below the previous year and 29 percent lower than the average. Import requirements for 1997 were estimated at 289 000 tons. Commercial imports are anticipated at 120 000 tons, leaving a deficit of 169 000 tons to be covered by food aid. Against this requirement, pledges until the end of February amounted to 17 000 tons.