DILI, 19 october 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, urged the Government to create an adequate plan for the development of the agriculture sector, to ensure food security in Timor-Leste.
“We must invest in food security and nutrition to improve the health of pregnant women and children. The country allocates a reasonable amount of budget to the agricultural sector, therefore, there is no reason to justify food insecurity. There is no greater sovereignty than food sovereignty,” the Head of State said in a video message as part of the commemoration of World Food Day.
President also asked the government to allocate an increased amount in the budget of the relevant ministries to guarantee the implementation of the School Feeding Program so that children have at least nutritious meals and access to potable water.
“The government must also invest in the health sector to ensure that the supply of drugs and electricity at hospitals is guaranteed. It must also invest in education and basic infrastructure, especially in rural areas,” Horta said.
Horta suggested that the Government should run awareness campaigns on the importance of breastfeeding as opposed to the use of formula milk.
World Food Day (WFD) was founded by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945 and has been observed annually, every October 16, since 1981.
The event was established to increase awareness of world hunger and poverty and to inspire solutions for world change.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
