Food

1
Food Agriculture Sector Group Update

• 18 August 2004

2
General Observations

• Haor Assessment and the Quick Assessment
• has revealed
• Farmers could not harvest standing crops, more
  specifically districts in the north-east worst
  affected
• Shortage of food stocks at household level
• People suffering from less or no income at
  household level to buy food
• Lack of work due to inundation and stagnation of
  water

3
Food Relief Distribution

• GoB and National/International NGOs distribution
  is progressing
• Allocated 8,259,144 families Rice 60,748 MT
• (40,290,939 people up to 18 August 2004)
• High energy biscuits 839 MT
• (621,500 people)
• Local Community ???

4
Overall Observation

• Food needs especially of the poor vulnerable will
  continue
• - at least until the next harvest
• - until the revival of local livelihood
• Preparation is underway for GoB VGF distribution
  about to start from next week

5
Agriculture

• Water has receded from most of the farm lands
• Farmers are preparing the farm lands for
  cultivation
• In many places transplantation is taking place

6
General Observation

• General observation is acute shortage of seeds
  and seedlings
• Prices have significantly gone up at least four
  times more that the usual price
• The issue of needs vs the availability of seeds
  yet to be quantified
• Quick recovery options need to be considered

7
Options and priorities

• Homestead gardening
• Early varieties
• Rapid growing vegetables
• Supply of cattle feed and vaccines
• Pond renovation under food-for-works