The 1997 cereal production is estimated at 1.1 million tons, including a maize output of 0.96 million tons, 32 percent lower than last year. This is the result of excessive rains earlier in the year and inadequate fertilizer supplies. The output of paddy and sorghum is also forecast to decline by some 14 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from 1996 levels. In contrast, millet production is forecast to remains unchanged at some 55 000 tons.
Reflecting the reduced domestic availability, the food supply situation for the 1997/98 marketing year is expected to be tighter than in the previous year. However, cereal import requirements of some 320 000 tons are expected to be covered through commercial channels.