DILI, 29 february 2024 (TATOLI) – Cooperativa Café Timor (CCT), Timor-Leste’s largest agriculture cooperative with 28,000 members exported 23 tons of cocoa beans to Singapore.
The export of 23 tons of cocoa beans shows that although Timor-Leste is a country with the potential for growing cocoa, the production of this perennial tree crop is still very low.
In order to increase cocoa production in Timor-Leste, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino advised CCT to support cacao farmers to increase the production of this perennial tree crop.
CCT Manager Felisberto Pereira Pinto said that CCT has identified potential areas for the cultivation of cacao in the country.
“Based on our identification, areas suitable for cocoa cultivation include Maliana in Bobonaro, Natarbora in Manatuto, Welaluhu in Manufahi, and Luto in Lautém,” said Pinto.
He said that, with the support of the government, CCT will collaborate with local farmers in these areas to grow cocoa on a large scale.
In addition to the export of cocoa beans, CCT also exported more than 2,000 tons of coffee to the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
“We also exported eight tons of vanilla to the US, including several tons of cloves. We are currently preparing to export black pepper to the US and other countries,” said Pinto.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
