Planting of the 1997 main season rice crop is underway, to coincide with the arrival of the monsoon. The crop will be harvested in November/December.
In 1996, adverse weather conditions seriously affected rice production in major rice producing areas in the lowlands of Central and Southern Region. The provinces of Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champasack were the most affected, where an estimated 420 000 people require assistance.
In view of the shortage, an emergency operation was jointly approved by FAO and WFP in March 1997, to raise 30 240 tons of rice for flood victims.