DILI, 31 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State for Cooperatives (SoSC), Arsénio Pereira da Silva, in his priority program for 2024, aims to increase the production of Bafo-Kayrala maize in the country.
“The SoSC’s priority programme for 2024 is to increase agricultural production, especially Bafo-Kayrala. We’ve already identified 700 hectares for Bafo-Kayrala cultivation,” said Silva in Dili.
He said that the intention of increasing the production of Bafo-Kayrala is to contribute to ensuring food security and give Timor-Leste options for various staple foods instead of relying heavily on imported rice.
Bafo-Kayrala is rich in high nutrients and its green leaves are also suitable for animal feed feeding.
At a budget review meeting last week, the budget review committee approved the SoSC budget for 2024, totalling US$5.2 million.
“In addition to Bafo-Kayrala, we also plan to carry out studies on how to increase the production of mangoes, grapes, oranges, avocados, honey, and vegetables as part of the cooperative’s main activities,” he said.
He also said that SoSC will promote Bafo Kayrala and several other products at the upcoming Cooperative Expo, which will take place in december. SoSC has allocated US$103,000 to organize the exhibition.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomeno Martins
