DILI, 07 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The National Director of Agriculture and Horticulture, Lúcio Ribeiro, said that this year the Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Agriculture constructed two new irrigations and renovated 11 others across the country to help farmers cultivate and increase the production of local crops, namely rice, corn, and vegetables, etc.
“Of these 13 irrigations, two are new irrigations. The construction of these two new irrigations is underway – the Baluhuto irrigation, in Lautém municipality, and the Galata irrigation, in Baucau municipality,” Ribeiro told Tatoli, on friday.
“Meanwhile, the renovation of 11 other medium irrigation systems is also underway in several municipalities, including Viqueque, Mantuto, Manufahi, Bobonaro, Covalima, and RAEOA.
The budget for the construction of the two new irrigations (Baluhuto and Galata) came from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a total funding of US$11 million.
Besides, the budget for the renovation of 11 medium irrigation systems was made available by the Government of Timor-Leste, totaling US$350,000.
More renovations of many other irrigation systems are expected to materialize next year, aiming to increase Timor-Leste’s food production to achieve the goal of food self-sufficiency: “Many of these irrigations are in poor condition and need to be renovated next year.”
Ribeiro added that since 2002, Timor-Leste has built a total of 32 irrigations to improve its ability to meet domestic food needs, but the dream has not been achieved as many Timorese still struggle to get enough food every day.
Recently, the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta raised the importance of serious investment in agriculture to increase domestic food production in order to combat food insecurity, malnutrition, and hunger in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
