On March 5th, 2026, in Laivai, within the municipality of Lautém, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, launched a rice planting campaign using modern agricultural machinery and delivered ten power tillers to the Lautém Municipal Authority to support local farmers.
The initiative took place in Samalari hamlet, Ililai village and is part of the policy to modernise the agricultural sector and strengthen national food production. 
During the ceremony, the Minister observed that the activity involved launching mechanised rice planting using modern transplanting equipment and delivering power tillers to support agricultural work and boost productivity.
The Minister recalled that last January marked the launch of the Laivai irrigation system, which covers approximately 500 hectares. He noted that a considerable part of this land had been abandoned for several years but is now back in production due to cooperation between the ministry, municipal authorities, and local communities.
The Minister noted that Ministry technicians had rehabilitated the agricultural land and that farmers had resumed farming their productive areas, helping develop the agricultural sector in the municipality.
Minister Marcos da Cruz also highlighted that the rice currently cultivated is the local Nakroma variety, developed over several years and adapted to the country’s conditions. He added that the Ministry has been supporting producers by purchasing and distributing certified seeds, ensuring the continuation of agricultural campaigns
The Government member reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting farmers in Lautém by working with the Municipal Authority to fully utilise the irrigated area and boost the production of rice and other food crops.
The delivery of ten power tillers aims to enhance agricultural mechanisation within the municipality, assisting farmers’ work, lowering operating costs, and reducing the time required to prepare the land.
The President of the Municipal Authority of Lautém, Melio de Jesus, expressed gratitude to the Government for its support to the municipality’s agricultural sector and mentioned that the new equipment will enhance local production capacity. He also stated that the power tillers will be distributed based on the needs identified among farmers, with priority given to producers with active cultivation areas.
National leaders from the agricultural sector, local authorities, representatives from the Timor-Leste National Police, civil servants, and farmers from the region attended the ceremony.