DILI, 1 march 2023 (TATOLI)- The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) focused on intensified domestic produce is referring to the land-based concept of the blue economy.
MoAF, Pedro Reis said that MoAF contributes to the agricultural sector to the blue economy which is focused on increasing domestic products.
“The agricultural sector has an important role and it is always clear that productivity can increase to follow the political options in the Blue Economy, ASEAN, and the WTO and we will continue to strive for this by improving existing facilities,” explained Pedro Reis after attending the Council of Ministers Meeting at the Government Office, this wednesday.
According to Reis, Timor-Leste has its investment law but it requires identifying the protected and non-protected areas.
“We have our laws for investing and what to do and what not to do, but we have to identify protected and non-protected areas,”
Reis added that far domestic food production has only reached 48,000 tons per year but with existing efforts in 2022, Timor-Leste will be able to increase production to 86,000 tons per year.
“It means that we have a significant change even though we have not fulfilled the domestic demand of 131,000 tons annually,” he said
He explained that apart from that, the pandemic, the political situation, natural disasters, and the war in Ukraine have an impact on rising commodity and goods prices, forcing everyone to increase their production and that of Timor-Leste as well.
MoAF will procure over 40 tractors, 4 excavators, and other agricultural machinery to help farmers, in 2023. It is to make efforts for more investment in the Agriculture sector.
So far, the government has launched two irrigations for Galata (Baucau) and Laivai (Lautém) and will improve 27 irrigations throughout the territory. Meanwhile, case studies are currently being carried out for the establishment of two large shelters in Laclo (2 in Manatuto) and Krau Ulun (1 in Manufahi).
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
