DILI, 16 november 2023 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Secretary of State for Fisheries (SoSF) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) is optimistic about its current program and diversification actions to increase fish supply and production in Timor-Leste to raise the country’s consumption to 10 kg per capita, every year.
The Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Celestino da Cunha, said that the IX Government is committed to supporting local fishermen and fish farming in order to increase the supply and production of fish in the country.
According to him, once local fishermen and fish farmers are able to produce fish in large quantities, fish prices will automatically fall and all families will be able to buy fish for family consumption at reasonable prices.
Cunha said that the government will distribute equipment and facilities for the operation of fish farms, as well as fishing equipment, including fishing nets, gear, and tackle for fish farmers in order to increase fish production.
The government also distributed fish seeds to the fish farm communities across the country.
More than 1,300 fishing groups and 400 fish farmers’ groups have been established across the country and will be provided with the appropriate equipment and training to be able to produce more fish.
In order to achieve the goal of increasing fish production, the VIII Government has distributed 110 fishing boats with 110 units of 15 HP Boat Motors to small-scale fishers in 11 municipalities, except Ermera and Aileu.
According to the report of the Fisheries and Aquaculture of Timor-Leste, in 2019, the annual per capita fish consumption in the country was 6.1 kg.
Timor-Leste is a tropical country that has abundant fresh water during the wet season, making it suitable for fish farming.
If this goal is successfully achieved means that many households in Timor-Leste will be able to include fish in their daily meal which is crucial for the elimination of malnutrition.
Fish is extremely nutritious – a vital source of protein and essential nutrients for human health. Fish is a crucial resource in island economies and food systems, but Timor-Leste is yet to fully develop its aquaculture and fisheries production.
According to WFP’s report, 1-2% of the country’s GDP is lost to malnutrition every year. WFP also estimated that fishing is the main source of livelihood only for about 20 percent of coastal fishers in Timor-Leste
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
