DILI, december 28, 2022 ( TATOLI) – Timor-Leste recorded 86,000 tons of rice production in 2022, a slight increase compared to the previous year, said Minister of Agriculture Pedro Reis.
Even though production has increased, it is quite concerning because rice production has not met the target.
“Rice production is insufficient for consumption in Timor-Leste, we have around 1.3 million people in this country, and based on data recorded by MAF every year we consume more than 131,000 tons of rice and this number has not met the target,” said Rais.
New data released by MAF shows that in 2020 Timor-Leste produced 48,000 tons of rice, in 2021 production reached 76,000 tons while in 2022 it increased to 86,000 tons.
“With this limited amount of production, every year Timor Leste continues to import 135,000 tons of rice from abroad,” said Reis.
Minister Reis also said the Government should increase the budget for MAF by 5-6% worth $28 million, saying this amount would be used to improve irrigation by 2023, increase farmer production, and diversify the economy in Timor – Leste.
“MAF is willing to work hard to facilitate farmers in Timor-Leste to increase food productivity in Timor-Leste and will also continue to provide training as well as provide seeds for farmers to meet production targets,” he said.
At the same time, Reis also emphasized that due to outbreaks of pets, flooding disasters along with weather that occurred caused less corn productivity from 2020 to 2022 ranging from 18,000 – 25,000 tons per year.
In addition, Reis said Government will continue to facilitate farmers in Timor Leste to utilize more than 450,000 hectares of productive land to increase food productivity in Timor Leste in the future.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges
