Planting of the 1997 main season cereal crop has started. Generally normal rains in May, which were abundant in the important growing southern highland areas, benefited soil conditions for sowing operations. Early prospects are favourable.
Despite a reduced 1996 cereal harvest, food prices remain stable reflecting substantial cross-border imports from Ethiopia. Food aid requirements were estimated by an FAO/WFP Mission last December at 289 000 tons. Against this requirement pledges until the end of April amount to 15 700 tons.