Domestic prices of “Emata” rice, a widely consumed variety, firmed up to record levels in October and were 50 percent higher year-on-year, reflecting seasonal tightness, exacerbated by two consecutive seasons of production declines, a recovery in exports, high transportation and input costs as well as a below-average production of 2022 main paddy crops, currently being harvested. Total 2022 rice production, including the forthcoming secondary crops, is forecast at 23.8 million tonnes, about 10 percent below the five-year average level. The poor performance is mostly due to expectations of low yields that reflect the limited use of critical agricultural inputs associated with their elevated prices.