TIMOR-LESTE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF (3 May)
Maize and rice are the main staples of the country, but cassava and sweet potatoes constitute an important part of the diet, especially in drought years. Harvesting of maize for the main season planted in November was completed in late February/March/April. Harvesting of wet season rice planted in December/January will start in late May in the northern areas and in August in southern areas. The overall agricultural performance in 2004 main season is expected to be good, reflecting favourable weather. The onset of the rain in November was considered normal. However, most areas in January/February experienced insignificant rainfall. The drought like situation improved in all areas in late February and became normal in March. The major crop outputs are estimated to increase significantly from drought-affected last year, with maize by 31 percent, rice by 8 percent, and cassava by 27 percent.
Following a joint WFP/FAO/Donor Needs assessment, WFP has initiated an emergency food aid operation, responding to the needs of approximately 110 000 drought- and flood-affected victims. Under the EMOP, which commenced in December 2003, WFP is providing 7 000 metric tonnes of targeted food assistance. The average monthly food distribution is about 1 350 tonnes and the EMOP will terminate in May 2004. Complementary to WFP food assistance, FAO provided 105 tonnes maize seeds to 10 000 households and 36 tonnes rice seeds for 1 320 farmers. In addition, FAO provided fertilizer to 2 500 rice or maize farmers and 2 400 pieces of hand-tools to 1 200 farmers.