Rainfall varies to a remarkable extent, ranging from about 1000 mm in the driest parts to about 5500 mm in the wettest parts. The northeast monsoon is strong and brings rain to the whole island. The southwest monsoon is weak and only the windward slope receives heavy rains. The main economic activities of rural areas are agriculture, fishing, and cottage industries. Rice is the staple food of Sri Lankans.
Wheat is the next most important food.
All wheat is imported and average per capita consumption is about 30 kg. Yet Sri Lanka remains a net rice importer. Increasing costs, decreasing real profits, and some water problems have led farmers to cultivate other crops wherever possible. They are substituting high-value cash crops for rice, for local as well as export markets. The majority of irrigated and drought-prone rainfed lowlands are in the dry and intermediate zones.