Harvesting of 1996 cereal crops is complete. Aggregate production is estimated at some 500 000 tons, including 398 000 tons of maize and 102 000 tons of sorghum/millet. This is above average and 68 percent higher than last year. The production of pulses, grown either with maize or with root and tuber crops, is estimated to have increased by 24 percent to some 55 000 tons. Recovery in production is attributed to abundant and relatively well distributed rainfall during the growing season, the provision of tools and seeds and no serious outbreaks of pests or diseases.
Despite increased production, the food supply situation will remain tight in the 1996/97 marketing year. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission which visited the country in April/May, estimated cereal import requirements for 1996/97 at 442 000 tons, including 200 000 tons of commercial imports. Some 129 000 tons of cereal are required as emergency food aid for an estimated 1.375 million people. This can be covered by supplies already in the country or in the pipeline. Total food aid pledges amount to 165 000 tons so far, including 143 000 tons of emergency assistance and 22 000 tons of programme food aid. Deliveries as of the end of July stand at 99 000 tons of which 91 000 tons are for emergencies.