Media Releases
Agriculture Ministry Actively Responding to Flooding Affecting Farming Communities
Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram conducts on-site assessment of flood impact amid adverse weather conditions.
May 18, 2025:- The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is actively responding to the ongoing adverse weather conditions impacting farmers across the country, following the Yellow Level Alert issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is currently on the ground engaging with affected farming communities to assess the damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. These engagements form part of the Ministry’s coordinated Emergency Flood Response efforts aimed at providing targeted support to farmers and assessing the scope of agricultural damages.
MALF’s Engineering Division has mobilised teams and equipment to strategic locations including the Orange Grove Food Crop Project in Tacarigua, the Plum Mitan Project, and Aranguez South Food Basket since May 16, 2025. These teams are actively working to alleviate flooding by extracting excess water, dredging waterways, and clearing channels and tributaries to improve drainage and reduce further land damage and crop loss.
The Ministry is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, who are also providing support in various communities through additional equipment and manpower.
Minister Ratiram expressed, “It is regrettable that our farmers are facing these challenges. Our farmers are the backbone of this country’s food system and the Ministry remains committed to supporting them through this difficult time. We are doing everything possible to reduce their losses. When our farmers are affected, our national food security is also at risk.”
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve. Farmers are encouraged to remain in contact with County Extension Officers from their relevant County Offices and to report any urgent needs or challenges they may be facing.
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