TIMOR-LESTE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF (4 October)
The 2004 maize crop is estimated at 91 000 tonnes, some 30 percent increase on drought-affected last year. Harvesting of wet season rice planted in December/January in almost completed in northern areas, but will continue until the end of November in southern areas. The paddy production is forecast at 70 000 tonnes, an increase of 7 percent from last year.
To meet cereal consumption needs, the import requirement for 2004/05 is estimated at 42 000 tonnes, which is much lower compared to the last year’s over 60 000 tonnes, reflecting the recovery in production. The country suffered two consecutive years of drought (2001/02 and 2002/03) resulting in lower production. WFP provided some 7 000 metric tonnes for 110 000 beneficiaries from 1 October 2003 to 30 June 2004. FAO also provided seeds and fertilizer to drought and flood-affected farmers.