FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - SRI LANKA (1 February)
In 2001 the country was affected by the worst drought in 30 years which affected 1.6 million people. Food aid from the international community is being provided to the affected population.
The Maha rice crop, the main crop, is presently in the ground for harvesting from March. Planting of the Maha crop coincides with the arrival of the northeast monsoon in December, the country’s main rainy season which started on time in 2001.