Prospects are poor for the 1997 main season cereal and other food crops. After reaching average cereal production levels in 1996, following a period of political upheaval and economic difficulties which adversely affected agriculture, the country has been seriously affected by dry weather which lasted from end-November to mid-May. All crops have been damaged, particularly in the North West, as well as in the Central Plateau, parts of the North East and the Grand’ Anse in the South West. Conservative estimates of losses are put at between 40 and 70 percent compared to production in 1996. Overall, maize production is provisionally forecast at 130 000 tons while paddy output is expected to be about 55 000 tons. This compares to an average of 210 000 tons and 90 000 tons respectively in the last five years. The bean crop is estimated to be between 45 000 and 50 000 tons.
The food supply situation is under control as a result of international assistance to affected zones. Measures have been taken to prevent food assistance provided interfering with the re-initiation of normal agricultural activities in these zones, and thus seeds, farm labor instruments and other agricultural inputs have been distributed to the population.