Planting of the 1997 first season maize and paddy spring crops has been interrupted by torrential rains extending from eastern to central areas of the country. The rains, however, ended a long dry spell. The rain affected some crops, but no significant damage is anticipated. The area planted to maize is expected to be about average, while that planted to paddy, currently being harvested, should be close to last year’s low level, despite government efforts to encourage plantings to help meet domestic demand.
Prospects for the 1997 sugar cane crop, currently being harvested, are uncertain. Planting was delayed because of hurricane weather and difficulties in financing the import of farm inputs. Output is provisionally estimated at 4.2 million tons compared to 4.45 million tons in 1996, which represented a recovery from the poor crop in 1995 .
Wheat imports in marketing year 1997/98 (July/June) are forecast to remain close to the previous year’s relatively low level of receipts, partly reflecting government difficulties in financing imports. Maize imports should be similar to last year’s 255 000 tons. Rice imports in 1997 (January/December) are provisionally forecast at between 375 000 and 400 000 tons, to cover domestic consumption.