Good and timely rains in the third dekade of October, which followed light precipitation in previous weeks, benefited planting operations and early planted crops. Rains were particularly abundant in southern parts.
Early prospects are favourable.
A bumper cereal harvest was obtained in 2000 reflecting good rains during the season and support to farmers through inputs distribution programmes. Maize production was estimated at 2.47 million tonnes, almost unchanged from the record level of the previous year. Following two consecutive above-average crops, the overall food supply is satisfactory. Prices of maize have declined and are one-third below their level of a year ago.