Harvesting of the 2002 irrigated Yala rice crop is underway. This crop normally accounts for one third of annual rice production, the remainder being produced during the Maha season. Subject to the final outcome of the Yala harvest, the aggregate 2002 paddy production is provisionally estimated at 2.7 million tonnes, similar to the previous year. This output falls short of domestic demand and has to be supplemented by imports, which for 2002 are estimated at 140 000 tonnes. Imports of some 850 000 tonnes of wheat and 130 000 tonnes of maize are also foreseen.
Drought persists in southern parts of the country for the third year in succession. Hambantota region is worst hit with an estimated 400 000 affected people. The Sri Lankan Red Cross provide drought relief to 18 000 most vulnerable persons among the poverty stricken population, while 300 000 in Hambantota and two other districts of the south are being assisted through a WFP Emergency Operation.