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For the first time since November 2018, water storage rates have increased especially in north & east significantly to a higher level. Due to the heavy rains received through September, in many areas of the country overall health of agricultural land is moving to normal. However, there are still some areas of concern, particularly in Mannar, Mullaittivu, Vavuniya, parts of Anuradhapura and Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Polonnaruwa. According to the Department of Agriculture, paddy production for season 2018/19 is expected to meet domestic rice demand until January 2020. Total rice production is set to be 2.77 million Mt. Drought has again impacted the Yala production, 6,584ha were damaged in Kurunegala, Batticaloa, Ampara, Puttalam, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Trincomalee as a direct result of prolonged dry conditions.