The Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) has established six large research centers to analyze the quality and production of seeds before they are distributed to farmers.
The research centers are located in Betano, Loes, Baucau, Aileu, Maliana and Maubisse for analyses of the seeds of crops and plants.
“The seeds are examined first at the centers to choose the good and productive ones to be given away to farmers to grow,” MAF researcher Luis Pereira said.
He said it was important to analyze the seeds before they were distributed to farmers to help guarantee food security for communities.
“The problem is that it is hard to change farmers’ mentality as it takes a great deal of time and patience to convince farmers to use the seeds,” said Pereira.
Timor-Leste will no longer import any seeds from other countries as a variety of seeds have now been developed, including corn, rice, peanuts, beans and sweet potatoes.
Vice-President of Commission D (responsible for economy and development affairs) Domingos Carvalho de Araujo said that the National Parliament would this year allocate $2 million for MAF to purchase seeds for farmers.
Domestic seeds are good quality, but aren’t yet produced in high enough quantities to be distributed to farmers.
