The Government improves pasture system
A pilot-project to improve the pasture system is being prepared for implementation in 2011, integrated in the cooperation that Timor-Leste has established with the neighbouring countries. With the help of the Indonesian Mataram University (UNRAM) and the International Research Agency of Australia (ACIAR), the Government is studying methods that help improve the quality and quantity of pastures.
“Here in Timor-Leste we have a rare species of harmful grass that prejudices the animal pasture fields. Together with an Indonesian research agency we have managed to find a solution to this problem: we have introduced a species of fly that helps to destroy this type of grass. In other words, we tried a form of biological control, but it didn’t work because of our habit of burning the pastures”, explains the Secretary of State for Livestock, who considers this cooperation and research project as very important to “develop, in the near future, pasture fields with good quality grass and leguminous plants for our animals”.
“Is very important to guarantee the quality of the produce that we consume and, in the case of meat, for the meat to have quality, the animal should have good food and be subject to a health control” defends Valentino Varela.
An issue that concerns the Secretary of State for Livestock is the fact that, specially in the urban areas, there are animals still running free through the streets. “Many times these animals cause accidents and, above all, it is not hygienic to have animals roaming free. It is a question of public health but it isn’t easy to change mentalities. The animals have a big economic value and should be treated with dignity”, says the Secretary of State for Livestock, Valentino Varela.
