Dili, 13 April 2010 – During 2009, food production in Timor-Leste increased by 20 percent over the previous year, largely due to the provision of good quality agricultural inputs during the agricultural season 2008-2009. Maize production for 2009 was estimated at 170 000 tonnes and rice production was almost 72 000 tonnes (milled rice), reducing the country’s food import requirement to 10 000 tonnes.

According to a Crop Survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and FAO, domestic food production in 2009 increased by over 20 percent thanks to the combined effects of targeted farm support and favourable weather conditions.

FAO’s assistance consisted of the provision of good quality certified seeds for maize (var. Arjuna maize) and rice (var. IR 64), plus 70 tonnes of fertilizers.

These inputs were distributed to 32 500 vulnerable farming households nationwide, who also received training and technical assistance to improve sustainability of farming practices.

“Food security is a top government priority in view of the high population growth and the multiple factors hampering food production and supply in Timor-Leste,” said the FAO Emergency Coordinator Fabrizio Cesaretti.

With support of development partners, the government is pursuing this objective through several activities including assistance in land preparation, provision of quality inputs and enhancement of farmers’ capacity through the effective delivery of extension services.

As a response to the steep increase in food prices since 2007, FAO’s launched a global Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP). FAO assistance to Timor-Leste under the ISFP has reached US $1.3 million thanks to the support of Spanish Government and the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme.

Timor-Leste is not self-sufficient in terms of food production. Staple food produced in the country includes rice, maize, beans and root crops. Thirty to forty percent of all staple food consumed in the country needs to be imported, due to the shortfall and lack of market chain for domestic production. This food deficit is covered by importing rice only.


Press release issued by the FAO office in Dili.
For more information contact Fabrizio Cesaretti - FAO Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator in Dile, mobile phone +670 737 6389 or email [email protected]