The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, carried out a series of activities in the municipalities of Baucau and Aileu over the past week, focusing on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and delivering agricultural equipment to increase agricultural production and productivity. 

On January 19^th, in Baucau, the Minister inaugurated the Uai-Dasu irrigation system in Village Uma-Ana Iku, Venilale Administrative Post. The infrastructure supplies water to approximately 50 hectares of rice paddies in the Berkoli and Fatumaka areas, improving local agricultural production conditions. During the ceremony, the Minister emphasised that the project responds to the specific needs of agricultural communities and is part of the sector’s balanced development strategy.

Also in Baucau on the same day, the Minister delivered 19 units of modern agricultural equipment to the Municipal Authority to support local farmer groups. The set includes tractors and sowing and harvesting machines, with the aim of strengthening agricultural mechanisation and reducing manual labour in agricultural activities. It was also noted that the Ministry has mobile mechanisation teams for technical support and equipment maintenance throughout the territory.

On January 22^nd, in Aileu, the Minister of Agriculture delivered new agricultural equipment to the Municipal Authority as part of efforts to modernise the agricultural sector. The initiative is part of the government’s policy to promote food self-sufficiency by expanding the area under cultivation, improving productivity, and reducing dependence on imports.

Municipal authorities, representatives of government agencies, community leaders, and farmers participated in the activities, strengthening coordination among the Government, local structures, and beneficiary communities in the implementation of public policies for the agricultural sector.