An Ethiopian minister says his country urgently needs US$265 million to feed 6.4 million people affected by drought.

State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mitiku Kassa says Ethiopia needs US$225.9 million to buy food through December. The rest of the money is needed to buy seeds, provide training and toilets, among other things, says Mitiku.

The minister disputes a figure the U.N. food agency released in September stating 9.6 million people are affected by the drought.

Mitiku says experts believe November’s harvest will be plentiful and put an end to the crisis.

Agriculture is Ethiopia’s main economic activity. The country has a long and troubled history with drought and hunger.