Irregular and ill-distributed rains in the last two months had no adverse effect on the 1997/98 second season (main) maize, sorghum and bean crops currently being harvested. An average maize output is expected, but lower than what was previously forecast. Production of sorghum should be below average as a consequence of the losses incurred by drought to first season (main) crop, particularly in the depressed areas of the south. Paddy output is also anticipated to decline but to a lesser extent as the bulk of the crop is grown in the northern, central and northeastern areas where the effects of the drought were not so intense. Assistance in terms of emergency food distribution and rehabilitation of agricultural activities has been requested from the international community. The drought affected rural population, amounting to 25 000 persons, is mainly composed of subsistence farmers who lost most of their first season crops. The Government has adopted a series of protective measures, which include the construction of small irrigation systems, temporary reservoirs and drilling of wells to help mitigate the impact of El Ni�o.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1997/98 (July/June) are forecast at about 195 000 tonnes, compared to 175 000 tonnes in the previous year. Maize imports should be close to last year�s receipts of 145 000 tonnes. Rice imports in 1998 (January/December) should also be similar to 1997.