Planting of the 2013/14 mostly dry season irrigated paddy crop is almost completed, under generally favourable weather conditions.
Harvesting of the 2013 main season rice was completed in December, reports FAO.
In aggregate, the 2013 rice output (including the main wet and the ongoing secondary dry seasons), is estimated by FAO at 3.5 million tonnes, similar to last year’s bumper output.
Heavy monsoon rains from late June throughout September 2013 resulted in localised flooding across north-eastern and southern parts of the country.
According to the National Disaster Management Office the floods are estimated to have affected at least 24 000 hectares of paddy crop, limiting potentiality higher production this year.
Continued public assistance supported larger plantings.
