Heavy rains and flooding in early July, attributed to “El Niño” effects, affected the paddy, banana and sugar crops in some parts of the coastal areas of the country. Similar threatening effects are forecast towards the end of the year. In response, the Government has allocated the necessary funds that will allow for the construction of some infrastructure projects to help mitigate the eventual impact of the phenomenon. Harvesting of the 1997 main season cereal and potato crops is well advanced. Latest forecasts indicate that a near record 650 000 tons of maize, the main crop, should be gathered. An above-average 50 000 tons of barley are anticipated. The modest wheat crop, mostly grown in the highlands, should also be satisfactory. The output of paddy is provisionally forecast at about 1.28 million tons which compares to last year 1.19 million tons and a 700 000 tons average for the last 5 years.
Wheat imports in marketing year 1997 (January/December) should be similar to last year receipts of 485 000 tons. Maize imports should decrease from 100 000 tons to some 60 000 tons while some 30 000 tons of barley are forecast, similar to 1996.