Following dry conditions in late January and early February which reduced soil moisture considerably which may affect yields, widespread rains in early March provided relief for the maize crop. Crops in the mountains are at tasselling, cobbling and grain filling stages. Elsewhere, crops are at late flowering stages. Provided favourable conditions prevail until April, a second consecutive year of good harvest is in prospect.
The food supply situation for the current marketing year remains satisfactory as a result of the bumper harvest of 1996. The cereal import requirement is being met by commercial means.