SRI LANKA (5 February)
Many parts of Sri Lanka have received low rainfall since September and water levels in major irrigation systems dropped substantially. According to a Government report and preliminary internal mission by a UN country team (FAO/WFP/UNDP), paddy production has been affected by the drought, especially in Badulla, Hambantota, Mannar, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Monaragala and Puttalam.
The Maha season paddy crop planted in October-November will be harvested in March report and April 2004. The estimate of paddy output in 2003 remains unchanged from the previous report at an all-time high of 3.1 million tonnes (with 1.9 million tones Maha and 1.2 million tonnes Yala) as a result of the improved security situation, rehabilitation of agricultural activities in the North and favourable weather conditions.
The wheat import requirement necessary to meet the domestic consumption needs in 2003/04 is estimated at 950 000 tonnes.