Food Crisis in East Nusa Tenggara

Famines are rare in Indonesia. I have seen farmers suffering hard times due to failed crops, mice infestation and destruction by rain&344; food crisis' are now becoming more prevalent throughout the archipelago.

In the Sikka regency of East Nusa Tenggara a food crisis is threatening at least 50,000 families in 10 districts in following a failed harvest due to pests and insufficient rain. The regency has only 306 tons of rice left in the warehouse of its provincial logistics agency while residents need at least 50,000 tons.

The food crisis has hit 10 districts hardest: Bola, Kewapante, Lela, Magepanda, Mago, Meumere, Nita, Paga, Palue and Talibura. Many residents have started to consume alternative foods such as flour made from the putak plant. With its hard fibers the flour is difficult for children to consume. The Central Government has now promised to distribute 9,210 tons of rice to families in worst hit areas.

According to the article in the Jakarta Post, data from the social office showed at least 13,000 families were threatened by starvation and more than 35,000 families were experiencing a food crisis. Village heads were asked to report situations in their respective villages and list residents experiencing food crisis in order to respond appropriately.

The food crisis is not the province's first. Last month a food crisis was blamed for widespread cases of malnutrition among children.