Harvesting of secondary rice crop has started under favourable conditions. The aggregate output of paddy in 1997/98 is estimated at 3.44 million tonnes, slightly higher than 1996/97 and some 24 percent above average. The increase in production is attributed to favourable weather and an increase in secondary season rice area.
For secondary crops, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes and vegetables, planted area has increased but heavy floods have severely damaged maize production. Food supply difficulties are also reported in some districts which have been affected by flood and drought.