Rainfall started in early March over the south, moved towards the north during the second and third dekads, allowing the planting of the main maize crop. Rains remained abundant and widespread in April, May and June. Cumulative rainfall as of the end of June is reported above average over the whole country. Planting of rice, millet and sorghum is drawing to an end in the north, while the main maize crop is being harvested in the centre.

The cereal import requirement for 1997/98 (July/June) is estimated at 260 000 tons of wheat and rice and 10 000 tons of coarse grains.