(Tetum) “The Hohrae 1, 2 & 3 sweet potato varieties are so tasty, whether they’re steamed or fried,” says Agusto Martins (48), chief of the Hakiak Buras sweet potato group in Liquica, “and the leaves are yummy because they taste just like kang kong.”
Agusto is chief of a 10-member group (5 women, 5 men) in Manumetalau hamlet, Manumeta village, Bazartete sub-district, Liquisa district that grows the three improved sweet potato varieties in a 60 x 25 m2 production plot. (more…)
(Tetum) Many farmers appreciate the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ improved varieties of maize, rice, peanut, sweet potato and cassava because of their good characteristics – they are productive, locally adapted, can be replanted again, and yield well under traditional practices.
Today, on World Environment Day (5 June), let’s take a closer look in this infographic at how these released varieties are also helping reduce hunger in Timor-Leste while protecting the natural resources farmers rely on (water, soil, plants and animals) and improving biodiversity.
(Tetum) Martinha da Costa Boavida is chief of ‘Moris Foun’ community seed production group (CSPG) in aldeia Bahamori, suco Ostico, Baucau district.
Martinha has successfully led the group of 26 members – 18 male and 8 female – since 2006 in planting sweet potato varieties Hohrae 1, Hohrae 2, and Hohrae 3, released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Seeds of Life. The group members own their own plots, and come together to collectively plant, water, weed and harvest. (more…)
(Tetum) The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Seeds of Life has 150,000 sweet potato cuttings of Hohrae 1, 2 and 3 released varieties available for distribution to farmers and institutions this January and February.
Any farmers or institutions interested in getting some sweet potato cuttings should contact the MAF Seed Department in Comoro, Dili, (Lucio Nuno – 7723 6690) or Seeds of Life (Simao Margono Belo – 7700 6185). (more…)
