TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lack of rainfall in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has may resulted in crop failure, bad harvest, and even may caused hunger in the region. "Drought occurred in most regencies and cities [in East Nusa Tenggara]," said NTT Deputy Governor Beny Litelnon on Monday, January 11, 2016.
Based on the government’s record, according to Benny, regions that are vulnerable to food shortage are located in the southern part of Timor Island in NTT, including the South Central Timor regency, and in the northern part of Sumba Island, specifically East Sumba regency.
Based on onsite supervision, Benny said that most farmers in the region are yet to plant their crops because of the lack of rain.
In response to the crisis, the NTT government will take steps to prepare aid for 23 regencies and cities in NTT, including food supplies and plant seeds. "Help can't be distributed recklessly, but it has to be clear," Benny said.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Suku Kotan, a member of the NTT Regional Representatives Council said that the government must prepare contingency fund in anticipation for possible food shortage.
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