DILI, 18 december 2025 (TATOLI) – The State Secretariat for Cooperatives (SECoop), in partnership with Heineken Timor-Leste, on Tuesday held a seminar on sorghum development—locally known as Bafo Kay Rala—aimed at strengthening a sustainable local industry.
The seminar took place at the Timorese Catholic University (UCT) hall in Balide, Dili, and brought together cooperative groups from all municipalities engaged in sorghum cultivation, as well as representatives from the private sector.
The event sought to inform cooperatives about Heineken Timor-Leste’s interest in purchasing locally produced sorghum for use as a raw material in beverage production.
State Secretary for Cooperatives Arsénio Pereira said the government intends to work in partnership with Heineken Timor-Leste to use Bafo Kay Rala as an input for beer and other alcoholic beverages.
“The initiative aims to promote Bafo Kay Rala, as this product has economic value,” Pereira said, noting that sorghum can also be used to make porridge and confectionery products.
He added that Heineken Timor-Leste plans to purchase 50 tons of sorghum. “According to Heineken’s laboratory analysis, sorghum can be used as a raw material in the production of beer and alcoholic beverages,” he stressed.
SECoop reported that a total of 155 tons of sorghum were harvested nationwide this year.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
