The 2002 cereal output is estimated at about 5.4 million tonnes, just above last year’s level. Of the total, wheat is estimated to account for 3.5 million tonnes. The final outcome was somewhat less than earlier indications had promised due to heavy rains during the latter part of the season, which affected not only the yield but also the quality of the crop. The proportion of the grain suitable for milling is reported to be significantly less than normal. This year’s barley crop fared somewhat better, increasing to about 1 million tonnes (2001: 750 000), following increased plantings and better yields than in the past few years. The barley crop was harvested before the arrival of the wet weather in August. Early estimates of the summer maize production also point to an increase from the previous year, to about 950 000 tonnes, despite a smaller area. Maize crops generally benefited from the summer rainfall.