Normal rains have resumed following weeks of severe drought caused by El Niņo. The area planted to the spring paddy crop, the main foodcrop, was reduced from 192 000 to 125 000 acres, resulting in an anticipated production loss of some 63 000 tonnes. Sugar production has been also affected and about 13 700 tonnes have been lost, which represent some 5 percent of the average annual production. Despite damage incurred, no food shortages have been reported so far in the affected areas, although some food prices have increased. An assessment of needs for the rehabilitation of agricultural activities is being conducted. An official appeal for international assistance is likely to be made in case the resources needed exceed the capacity of the country.