DILI, 09 april 2024 (TATOLI) – The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCT-TL) and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL) signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the agricultural demonstration plot project in three municipalities, namely Baucau, Lautém and Viqueque.
The agricultural demonstration field project will be used to test and experiment with various agricultural practices with different crops. The site will also be used to showcase and create awareness of agricultural practices that have proven to be economically and environmentally sustainable.
The demonstration plot system will be established on a total of 12 hectares of rice fields in the municipalities of Baucau, Lautém, and Viqueque, a project for which the BNCTL has provided US$30,000.
The project will involve experimenting with different agricultural techniques, testing different types of agricultural products, different methods of irrigation, fertilizer use, and pest control, among others. If it is effective, productive, and sustainable, it is hoped that in a second phase, it will be possible to extend the project to other municipalities.
The agreement was signed by the President of the CCI-TL, Jorge Serrano, and the CEO of the BNCTL, António Victor, at a ceremony held at Acait in Dili.
Victor said that BNCTL is committed to “supporting all kinds of commercial activities in the country, especially those dedicated to developing the agricultural sector: “Although the fund has been made available for the implementation of a pilot program, in the future the BNCTL plans to increase the amount, depending on the needs and success of the project.”
Vice-President of the CCI-TL for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock Affairs, Rui Castro, said that the BNCTL’s support will help the institution to expand the demonstration plot system to all municipalities in the near future, depending on the results.
Rui Castro was optimistic: ” The Demonstration Plot Project will help double the rice production from four to eight tons each harvest.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
