Farming Support
Yayasan Besipae supports farmers in Timor with sustainable agriculture solutions that enhance water efficiency, reduce costs, and secure market access. Drip irrigation optimizes water use, boosting yields, while true seed shallots lower production costs and increase resilience. To ensure stable income, farmers are trained in vegetable seed production with guaranteed buyers. ​
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Enhancing Water Efficiency and Market Opportunities
Water is a scarce and essential resource in Timor, particularly during the dry season. Traditional flood irrigation methods often lead to significant water loss, making it difficult for farmers to maintain consistent crop growth. Drip irrigation systems offer a sustainable solution by delivering water directly to the roots of plants, ensuring optimal hydration while minimizing waste. As a result, farmers have experienced higher crop yields and improved resilience against water shortages.
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One of the most commonly grown crops in the region is shallots, valued for their year-round market demand and long shelf life compared to other vegetables. Unlike perishable crops, shallots can be stored and sold when families need income, providing financial flexibility. They also require less water, making them well-suited to Timor’s dry conditions. However, traditional shallot farming relies on bulb planting, which is costly—over USD 2,500 per hectare per cycle. By adopting true seed shallots, farmers can significantly reduce planting costs to around USD 750 per hectare while achieving higher yields and greater resistance to common pests and diseases.
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While the highlands of Timor offer ideal conditions for growing vegetables, farmers face significant barriers to market access. Perishable crops like tomatoes, beans, and leafy greens require efficient logistics, limiting their commercial viability. To address this challenge, Yayasan Besipae is training farmers to produce high-quality vegetable seeds for major seed companies. With offtake agreements in place, farmers have guaranteed buyers, ensuring a stable source of income. Additionally, byproducts from seed production, such as tomato pulp, can be repurposed to enhance household nutrition.
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Women play a pivotal role in this initiative, using their expertise in crop pollination and post-harvest seed processing to produce a range of hybrid seed varieties. By engaging in seed production, women gain greater economic opportunities, building upon their existing skills in vegetable farming and contributing to household income. This approach not only strengthens food security but also empowers women within their communities, fostering long-term agricultural sustainability.