Rice output from the second paddy crop this year is anticipated to increase as high prices encouraged farmers to cultivate more land for rice despite warnings of low levels of water supply.
The aggregate paddy output in 1997 is estimated at 21.3 million tonnes (above average) which is likely to generate larger exportable surpluses. Rice exports in 1998 are projected at 5.6 million tonnes against 5.3 million tonnes in 1997.