FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - SRI LANKA (25 March)
Much below normal rainfall in 2001 caused a reduction in rice output, notably in seven districts in the south of the country. An estimated 1.6 million people are affected, of whom 300 000 are in need of food assistance. A WFP Emergency Operation to provide 22 680 tonnes of cereals and other food is underway to meet the immediate needs.
The main Maha rice crop planted in October/November 2001 has been harvested. After a normal start to the monsoon season, subsequent long dry spells in January and the second half of February 2002 affected yield potentials. Thus, production is not likely to exceed last year’s drought-reduced Maha crop of 1.1 million tonnes (milled). Assuming average growing conditions for the Yala crop to be harvested in August/September 2002, the total national production of rice in 2002 is provisionally forecast at 1.8 million tonnes (milled), about the same as in 2001.