Dry weather, particularly in the northern parts of the country and central valleys, continue to affect the development of the 1996/97 wheat crop and planting of the maize crop, currently underway. Water availability for irrigation and power generation is being restricted in some of the affected areas. It is also reported that pastures have been affected and that the fruit harvest could be lower than earlier expected. Elsewhere, normal to above-normal plantings for cereals, as well as other food and cash crops, particularly export oriented fruits and vegetables, are intended in response to expanding markets. Wheat and maize imports in the 1996/97 marketing year (November/October) are likely to decrease from the previous year mainly as a result of large carry-over stocks.