Sri Lanka, June 7 -- With the South-west monsoons arriving on time with bouts of heavy rains already lashing many part of the island, Agriculture Director General Dr W. M. Wijayasiri Weerakoon yesterday said they are looking at a rapid re-consolidation of paddy cultivation and other main crops.

The production of rice, onions and other crops slumped by half due to variable monsoons, the lack of rains and drought over the past couple of years.

The Agriculture Department is set to achieve a sharp increase, particularly in the category of rice production, in the upcoming seasons, said Weerakoon.

"The department is all keyed up to achieve an increase in the output of vegetables and fruits as well," he said.

"We will introduce crop rotation...