DILI, 23 january 2026 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, carried out a series of activities in the municipalities of Baucau and Aileu aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and distributing modern farming equipment to increase agricultural production and productivity.
On 19 January in Baucau, the minister inaugurated the Uai-Dasu irrigation system in Uma-Ana Iku suco, Venilale Administrative Post, a project that will supply water to around 50 hectares of rice fields in the areas of Berkoli and Fatumaka and improve local farming conditions.
During the ceremony, Minister Cruz said the project responds to the concrete needs of farming communities and forms part of the government’s strategy for balanced development in the sector.
Later the same day, the minister handed over 19 units of modern agricultural equipment to the Municipal Authority in Baucau to support local farmer groups, including tractors, seeders and harvesting machines designed to strengthen mechanisation and reduce manual labour.
The ministry also noted that it operates mobile mechanisation teams to provide technical support and maintenance services across the country.
On 22 january in Aileu, Mr da Cruz delivered additional agricultural equipment to the Municipal Authority as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the agricultural sector.
The initiative forms part of the government’s policy to promote food self-sufficiency by expanding cultivated land, improving productivity and reducing dependence on imports.
The activities were attended by municipal authorities, state service representatives, community leaders and farmers, highlighting cooperation between the government, local structures and beneficiary communities in implementing public policies for the agricultural sector.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
