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Drought impacting on maize production

Source
Dili Weekly - May 11, 2016

Paulina Quintao– Ongoing drought conditions are to blame for food shortages and crop failures this year, particularly maize, according to the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), Marcos da Cruz.

He said many people were experiencing food shortages as there had been no maize production this year.

The statistic is based on national research conducted by MAF and its development partners in 402 sukus (villages).

"Maize grows in a few places, but it has no cobs and some are dead, [so] that is the problem that we face," said da Cruz at the Timor Ag2016 conference held at Hotel Novo Turismo in Dili.

Meanwhile, Viqueque extension agent Feliciano Soares confirmed that maize production in the municipality had significantly declined compared to last year.

"Every year, one hectare of land can produce one or two tones of maize crops, but not for this year," he said. He added that people in the region had required government food aid due to poor production levels.

Farmer Francisco Guterres also said his maize crops had failed. "We do plant it, but there are no cobs and this year we have no maize and we do not have new seeds," he said.

Da Cruz said MAF had begun distributing maize seeds to farmers since the rains returned and was also working with the Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS) to respond to the needs of those affected by the drought.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/news/13720-drought-impacting-on-maize-production

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