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The Agricultural Sector

In: The Creation of the East Timorese Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Mats Lundahl

    (Stockholm School of Economics)

  • Fredrik Sjöholm

    (Lund University)

Abstract

This chapter contrasts Timor’s record with the agricultural dynamism evident in much of Southeast Asia. The agricultural sector is low in production, and it is not competitive internationally. Imports have to be resorted to in order to ensure food security. Production rests on shifting cultivation, bush fallow rotation, and simple hand tools. The main crops—rice and maize—both display considerable fluctuations, and their absolute yields are among the lowest in the region. The production of coffee, the most important export crop, is decreasing. The quality of the land is low and possibly declining, capital inputs are sparsely used, and credit is difficult to obtain. Most of the time, unimproved seed is used, but introduction of high-yielding varieties has proved successful for several crops. The low educational level and the lack of an effective extension service make the introduction of innovations difficult.

Suggested Citation

  • Mats Lundahl & Fredrik Sjöholm, 2019. "The Agricultural Sector," Palgrave Studies in Economic History, in: The Creation of the East Timorese Economy, chapter 5, pages 199-263, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palscp:978-3-030-22052-5_5
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-22052-5_5
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