The first significant rains in the east and south came in mid-May. After
some sporadic showers in late April in the south-east, rains actually started
in mid-May over all parts of the country except the north-west. They decreased
in late May but resumed in early June. Land preparation for coarse grains is
underway in the east and north. Planting of rice in seedbeds has also started.
Transplanting will start in July/August after desalination of swamp rice fields
with more rains. Seed availability problems are likely, following the 1998 reduced
harvest due to civil strife.
Legend |