The country continues to be seriously affected by drier than normal weather associated with El Niño. Power cuts and water rationing measures are being implemented by the Government. The foreign exchange earner, sugar cane, is likely to be affected, while serious damage has been incurred to the important coffee crop. The outlook for planting of the 1998 first season cereal crops, due to start from April, is uncertain. Plantings of maize, the main crop, are nevertheless intended to be close to last year’s average, while those of sorghum should increase as the crop was seriously affected by El Niño-related drought. Maize imports in 1997/98 marketing year (July/June) are expected to be similar to the previous year’s receipts. Food assistance is being given to the affected farmers by the international community, while measures such as the establishment of small irrigation systems, construction of wells and distribution of pumps are being taken by the Government in an effort to help mitigate the adverse effects of the phenomenon.