Govt highlights innovation as key to food security and nutrition
DÍLI, 21 October 2026 (TATOLI) — The government has stressed the need for greater investment in agricultural innovation, local food production and sustainable farming practices to strengthen food security and improve nutrition.
The statement was made during World Food Day celebrations in Dili on 16 October, organised by Timor-Leste’s National Council for Food and Nutrition Security and Sovereignty (CONSSAN-TL), in collaboration with relevant government ministries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and development partners.
Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and CONSSAN-TL president Mariano Assanami Sabino presided over the event, which brought together Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Marcos da Cruz, UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste Funmi Balogun, public institutions, international organisations, development partners, farmers and community representatives.
Held under the global theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow” and the national theme “Investing in Innovation to Ensure Food and Nutrition Security”, the celebrations focused on increasing domestic food production, improving dietary quality and ensuring families have better access to diverse and nutritious food.
Speaking at the event, Sabino highlighted persistent challenges facing Timor-Leste’s agricultural sector, including low productivity, climate change impacts, post-harvest losses, limited food diversity and farmers’ difficulties accessing technology and markets.
He called for greater investment in quality seeds, efficient irrigation systems, appropriate technologies, scientific research and technical training to help producers improve their output.
Sabino also stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services and improving storage and processing infrastructure to reduce food losses and increase the value of locally produced goods.
He said farmers, fishers, women and young people also needed better access to finance, technical knowledge and market opportunities to strengthen their participation in the food production sector.
The vice-prime minister added that innovation should combine traditional community knowledge with modern technologies and sustainable practices. Such an approach, he said, could increase productivity, protect natural resources and help communities respond more effectively to climate change.
Agriculture Minister Marcos da Cruz said innovation involved more than introducing new technologies and equipment. It also included improving farming and livestock practices, fisheries and aquaculture, water and soil management, food storage and processing, and links between producers and markets.
Da Cruz emphasised the need to reduce post-harvest losses and develop practical solutions suited to the needs of farmers, livestock producers and fishers.
He said combining local knowledge, successful community practices and applied research could help develop more effective and sustainable approaches to food production.
The two-day celebrations, held on 15 and 16 October, also featured a National Fair bringing together farmers from several municipalities, public institutions, United Nations agencies and development partners.
The exhibition showcased agricultural products, traditional foods and food-processing initiatives, highlighting the diversity of Timor-Leste’s domestic production and opportunities to develop local value chains.
The programme also included the launch of the World Food Forum Youth Chapter in Timor-Leste and panel discussions on food production, investment and nutrition. One of the discussions focused on innovation in local food production and improving producers’ access to markets.
CONSSAN-TL is an interministerial body responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public policies on food and nutrition security and sovereignty.
World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October to commemorate the founding of the FAO in 1945. In Timor-Leste, the 2026 celebrations formed part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination among government institutions, municipalities, producers and development partners to improve food and nutrition security.
TATOLI
