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Timor-Leste

GIEWS Country Brief: Timor-Leste 22-April-2015

Attachments

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

  • Main 2015 season paddy and maize crops forecast to increase

  • Cereal imports projected to rise in 2014/15 marketing year

  • Overall food security conditions improving but localized food insecurity still persists

Main 2015 season paddy and maize crops forecast to increase

Harvesting of the 2015 main season maize crop is nearing completion, while that of rice will start in May and continue until July. Above-average rainfall from January to mid-April over most of the country benefited crops. Assuming favourable weather conditions for the current and forthcoming off seasons, FAO’s early forecasts for the 2015 maize crop is set at 110 000 tonnes, 8 percent up on last year’s good output. Similarly, FAO tentatively forecasts the aggregate 2015 rice production at 94 000 tonnes, an increase of 6 percent on last year’s low level harvest but 10 percent below the average level of the previous five years. The overall favourable forecasts are attributed to a projected slight increase in plantings, as well as expected higher yields, due to good weather and Government support to the sector, including adequate distribution of seeds and fertilizers.