the outlook for 1998 winter wheat and coarse grain crops has deteriorated somewhat in Australia due to adverse weather conditions several parts particularly Queensland New South Wales. However as of late November growing remained ideal many other total crop is still expected increase from previous year 19.4 million tonnes over 20 tonnes. Aggregate output (including minor mostly sorghum maize harvested earlier this year) now forecast at 8.6 compared 10 1997. It that summer harvest 1999 will be planted replace some flood damaged thus area likely upcoming season. With regard paddy preliminary indications suggest reduced by about 14 percent 120 000 hectares a consequence lower irrigation water supplies. Based on average yields would 1 or 30 less than estimate.
Output of the sugar crop in 1998 is estimated to fall significantly, due to El Ni�o-related drought, which has seriously affected the country. Sugar is Fiji�s most important industry, ranking just after tourism as an income earner, but viewed as the real backbone of the nation�s economy. Some 80 000 people in the drought-stricken western cane belt are reported to need assistance. Cereal consumption requirements are generally met by imports - mostly on commercial terms.
Prospects for crops, mainly roots and tubers, are good as a result of sufficient rains during the growing season. However, the food situation is likely to be tight for vulnerable groups and those who lacked basic agricultural inputs at planting time.