Rainfall in 1997 has on the whole been regular and evenly distributed. This has made up for localized late rains and pockets of drought that occurred throughout the season. The onset of the rainy season in May was normal, with rain-gauge readings normal to high in most stations. The June rains were unevenly distributed but generally higher than last year. The different agricultural zones received ample rains in July and cumulative amount was higher than or equal to normal in most of the stations of the south and centre. Rainfall throughout the country was also abundant in August, with a cumulative amount on 31 August reaching normal values. Rains were generally normal throughout September and in the first two dekads of October in most of the country.
Rainfed sowing started in May and June in the Sudanian zone and in part of the Sahelian zone. By July this activity was widespread. Although planting this year in the Sahelian zone started earlier than normal because of the early rains in May and June, the interruption of rainfall in late June hampered seeding and necessitated resowing in several areas. However, the main cereal crops (maize, sorghum, millet and rice) were not affected except in the regions of Tombouctou, Gao and Mopti where rainfall caused flooding before rice germination leading to lower-than-normal yields.
The locust situation was on the whole calm, except for an occasional adult Desert Locust in Adrar des Iforas in the north. Large numbers of grain-eating birds caused damage to the rice crop in Segou. Aerial and ground operations helped to prevent bird attacks and minimize losses, but vigilance is required as nests have not been destroyed. Prospects for livestock are satisfactory, as grazing conditions have generally been good, except in Nara, Tombouctou, Menaka and in the north of the Kayes and Mopti regions.
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission estimated 1997/98 aggreate cereal production at 2.4 million tons which is 7 percent higher than last year and above the five-year average. The increase is largely due to an increase in area under maize and sorghum and good yields of rice, maize and sorghum. The output of millet is also expected to exceed the five-year average. The impact of a slight drop in the area planted had been offset by a rise in yields. Sorghum is down by 14 percent from the average of the last five years, but output of secondary crops such as wheat and fonio have increased. Overall, while the major agricultural regions (Koulikoro, Sikasso, S�gou) are expected to achieve increased cereal production, shortfalls are anticipated in the regions of Mopti and Tombouctou.
Following the good harvest, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied and cereal prices decreased since August/September, reaching levels generally much lower than those of 1996 at the same period. The national security stock is at 29 500 tons of millet or sorghum, which is higher than last year and will facilitate interventions during next marketing year, if needed. Stocks are available in the most at-risk areas, notably in Tombouctou and Gao regions. Food assistance is given to the Tuaregs who have returned from neighbouring countries. Exportable surpluses are available for triangular transactions with neighbouring countries affected by deficits, notably northern and central Senegal, Mauritania and some areas of Niger and Burkina Faso.