SENEGAL:

Growing conditions remained favourable in September. Following a late start of the rainy season in mid or late July in the centre and the centre-north, precipitation was regular in August and September. Rains increased in early September, notably in the centre and the north. They decreased but remained widespread in mid or late September, with good rains notably on 19th and 21st September. Cumulative rainfall became above 1997 level almost everywhere. The rise of river levels flooded several low-lying areas in Ballou and Sébou areas on Falamé river and in Bakel, Moudéri and Yaféra areas on the Sénégal river. Crops are generally in the reproduction/maturation phases. In the south, maize and millet are maturing or being harvested, sorghum and rainfed rice are flowering/heading. In the centre, maize and souna millet started to be harvested "in green". In the north, millet and sorghum are flowering/heading but more rains are needed for crops to complete their growing cycle.

Pastures are generally abundant. Grasshopper and other insect infestations are reported on millet, niébé and groundnuts in Diourbel, Kaolack, Saint Louis and Thiès areas.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled from 26 to 30 October to estimate the 1998 cereal production.

Satellite Images (Cold Cloud Duration for the last three dekads)

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