The officials of the Department of Agriculture have estimated that 10,000 farmers in the area were affected due to the recent floods in the Ampara district. Nearly 12,000 acres of paddy land were submerged because of the heavy rains experienced in Ampara district for last five days. As a result, the Maha season paddy harvest did not bring good results. When the Eastern Province was under control by the Security Forces from the clutches of the LTTE, farmers in the area engaged in paddy cultivation with enthusiasm. The Government has taken steps to purchase the paddy from the farmers. They would also be given seed paddy for the Yala season this year. As a result, the farmers have again taken keen interest in Yala paddy cultivation in Ampara district forgetting their losses.