More than 250 farmers have benefited since the implementation of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Advance agriculture project.
Project Manager Flavia A. da Silva said of the 250 beneficiaries, more than 30 farmers were now working on their own agriculture projects and the rest were receiving training.
“Their products are available in the supermarket such as Kmanek and Dili Mart,” she said.
She said farmers were now growing quality and nutritious products and USAID was helping to link them to markets.
Farmers also received training on how to manage their budget and only a small proportion was spent on cultural events.
The program has so far been implemented in Aileu, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Ermera and Dili.
These municipalities were selected due to their fertile soil and high rates of malnutrition.
She said, before the program was implemented in April 2015, USAID provided training to the farmers on how they could grow the quality produce to prevent malnutrition.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission D (responsible for for economy and development affairs) MP Jacinta Abucau Pereira said the program was a good initiative and called on the government to continue its support.
“They are directly linking to the market – people grow and the store owners buy,” she said.
She also urged USAID to sign a MoU with the government in order to ensure the program’s continuation.
