Dili, October 30, 2025 (Media Democracia) – In an interview, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forestry (MAPPF), Marcos da Cruz, stated that according to data, there are 80,000 hectares of potential agricultural land in municipalities that are currently abandoned, while only around 40,000 hectares are under functioning cultivation.
The data on abandoned rice fields in municipalities shows 80,000 hectares of agricultural potential area, while the latest data indicates that only around 40,000 hectares are functioning, facilitated by the construction of several irrigation systems in some municipalities. These include locations in the eastern region starting from Bebui in Watulari, Darlau in Watulari, Larisula in Baguia, Buluto in Laleia-Vemase, in the south in Rai-Bere Webaba, and in the western part in Maliana and Oecusse, these areas are currently operating.
“The areas currently being cultivated through large irrigation systems and others are supported by the mobilization of excavators of 12 bulldozers, 2 tronton trucks or 4, and other machines, which are frequently deployed in municipalities that require support such as Covalima, Baucau, Maliana, and Viqueque,” said Minister Marcos da Cruz.
He further explained that besides the functioning areas and large mobilization efforts, MAPPF has also mobilized heavy machinery to work on irrigation canals to make it easier for water to reach farmers’ rice fields.
“We still need to reopen areas that are abandoned and not yet cultivated. That is why efforts are being made to increase irrigation construction. Inaugurations of these irrigation systems begin from contracts signed in 2022 under the previous government and will continue next month. Two projects will soon be inaugurated, eight more have just been launched, and two additional irrigation projects in Laclo and Karau-Ulun are in the tender process, while others have already signed contracts and companies have begun work,” said the Minister.
He further explained that the government works differently to improve cultivation capacity, facilitate water supply for agricultural areas, and provide support with modern machinery to help farmers. He requested farmers to support technical assistance and training programs to increase agricultural production.
Because in December, ground work is scheduled to begin for the eight projects, and they are still waiting for two more to enter the tender stage.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas