DILI, 30 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF) has executed 75 percent of a total budget allocation of US$29 million from the 2023 General State Budget (GSB).
“The Ministry has executed around 75 percent of the US$29 million,” said Agriculture Minister Marcos da Cruz.
Cruz said that the execution of the budget will reach 100 percent by the end of the year.
He said that funds for the rehabilitation of 13 irrigation systems in Timor-Leste also came from the budget.
The ministry also used some of the money to buy 25 new tractors and two excavators and to rehabilitate four tilapia ponds in the municipalities of Liquiçá, Bobonaro, Viqueque, and Lautém.
The budget also covered the salaries and wages of more than 1,000 MALFF employees.
Cruz stressed that all these programs are aimed at increasing food production in order to achieve the country’s goal of food self-sufficiency: “Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, together with development partners and farmers, is working together to ensure food security in the country.”
“Our joint efforts are crucial to boosting the land cultivation to increase local food production and reduce food imports,” said Cruz.
In order to increase domestic food production, MALFF requested an increase in the budget allocated to the ministry. However, after discussing the requested budget of US$53, the budget review committee only approved US$30 million for the Ministry of Agriculture.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
