Planting of the 1998/99 wheat crop has started under generally normal conditions. It is reported that farmers this year are not attracted by prevailing prices and that the area planted would be close to the 1997/98 below-average level, when the crop was affected by El Niņo-related intensive rains. Harvesting of the 1998 maize crop is currently underway and an average production is anticipated, a recovery from the 1997 affected crop. This is due to increased plantings and improved yields.