Maay 28, 2024:-  Yesterday (Monday 27th May, 2024), Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, distributed over $3 million in grants to thirty-one (31) farmers as part of Cycle 7 of the Agricultural Finance Support Programme (Agro-Incentive Grant) at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

The Agro-Incentive Grant is a pivotal component of the Ministry’s vision for a modern, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector. It symbolizes the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability within the agricultural community.

In his address, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Throughout our proceedings today, you will all recognize that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is not just funding projects. We are investing in the potential of our land, the ingenuity of our people, and the health of our nation.”

The Minister further highlighted the broader economic implications of the grant, noting that it extends far beyond immediate financial support. “By fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency, we are paving the way for Trinidad and Tobago to become a leader in the Caribbean’s agro-industry. This initiative is a cornerstone in our efforts to achieve food security, reduce our import bill, and open new avenues for export,” he added.

The 31 grant recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the agricultural sector, including small-scale farmers and large agribusinesses. The funds will be used for various innovative projects such as state-of-the-art irrigation systems, hydroponic systems, solar panel installations, shade houses, and farm improvements to meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, investments in new breeding stock for livestock, and advanced fishing equipment.

Additionally, the Minister has been actively working to ensure that the administrative arm of the Ministry becomes more accessible and treats farmers and fisherfolk with the dignity and respect they deserve, given their profound responsibility. He highlighted the Agricultural Incentive Programme (AIP), which offers cash rebates and exemptions in 92 categories to support diverse agricultural needs. Eligible registered farmers and fisherfolk can benefit from incentives for vehicle purchases, integrated pest management systems, and advancements in livestock, tree crops, and agro-processing. Minister Hosein also emphasized that the farmers’ badge must be accessible to all, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to supporting registered farmers and fisherfolk in their pursuit of excellence.

The Honourable Symon De Nobriga, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister – Communications, also addressed this afternoon’s ceremony, urging farmers to seize the opportunities before them, “Today’s ceremony highlights just how important our farmers are to our future. It’s essential for our agricultural community to take advantage of the opportunities and grants being provided and actively seek ways to innovate and grow.”

In closing remarks, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries reassured the farmers that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the agricultural community and looks forward to continuing to work together to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable agricultural sector.

 

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May 16, 2024:-  Couva, Trinidad and Tobago – Yesterday (Wednesday 15th May, 2024) Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, presented special awards to cocoa farmers in recognition of their achievements at the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Awards held earlier this year in Amsterdam.

During his address, Minister Hosein highlighted, “Today, as we celebrate our local heroes of the cocoa industry, we recognize not just their achievements but the enduring spirit of perseverance that has thrust Trinidad and Tobago onto the global stage once again. Our farmers’ success at the international level reinforces our commitment to supporting this vital sector.” He further commended the efforts of the three (3) awardees; Mr. Shankar Teelucksingh, Ms. Doolarie Ramdath and Ms. Stephanie Omardeen, saying that these awards have placed our small island nation on the map for cocoa and for this, we should be immensely proud. Farmers and stakeholders from the cocoa industry also had the opportunity to partake in a tasting of chocolates made from cocoa produced by the award winners.

Also in attendance were Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, His Excellency Matsubara Yutaka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Zhou Lichun, Councillor of the Chinese Embassy, representing the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan, Director of the Cocoa Research Centre, UWI; and key stakeholders from the Cocoa sector.

Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan, Director of Cocoa Research Centre at the U.W.I in St. Augustine in his remarks stated, “The flavour reputation of our cocoa provides us the opportunity to build cocoa as an economic diversification option but as stakeholders, we must work together to make every part of the cocoa value chain sustainable.” Also commenting on the future of the cocoa industry were the Ambassadors of Japan and the European Union who both underscored the potential for further international collaboration and grant funding opportunities. They encouraged Trinidadian farmers to leverage new opportunities for market expansion and sustainable development within their respective countries.

In closing, Minister Hosein expressed, “Sincere gratitude to all our international partners and ambassadors present today. Your support has been instrumental. Today’s ceremony was not just a celebration of the recent wins in Amsterdam but also a reaffirmation of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading position in the production of fine/flavour cocoa”.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to supporting all farmers and stakeholders across the cocoa industry.

 

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April 17, 2024:- Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, has initiated a thorough investigation into the events at the Mora Valley Farm concerning the buffalos that have been reported roaming freely. This action comes in response to serious concerns raised by the community regarding the safety and damage to local agriculture.

The Minister expressed deep concern regarding the situation and has taken decisive steps to address the community’s immediate needs. “The safety of our citizens and the protection of our agricultural assets are paramount,” said Minister Hosein. “We are taking comprehensive measures to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.”

A key response from the Ministry has been the deployment of regional officers to fully assess the extent of crop damage and evaluate the overall impact on local farmers. Additionally, the Minister has mandated immediate repairs to the fencing around Mora Valley Farm to secure the area.

The Ministry’s Engineering Division is actively conducting remedial work to swiftly mitigate any further risks and restore normalcy to the impacted regions. Meanwhile, representatives from the PLS are in direct contact with the residents, providing necessary assistance and ensuring that their concerns and needs are addressed promptly.

“We are committed to resolving this issue swiftly and transparently,” Minister Hosein added. “Our goal is to maintain open and effective communication with all stakeholders as we work collaboratively to manage and resolve this unfortunate situation.”

The Ministry appreciates the patience and cooperation of Mora Valley residents and the broader community as these efforts continue. Updates will be provided as the situation progresses.

 

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April 09, 2024:-  Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, is issuing a stern warning against the importation of illegal livestock, emphasizing the grave risks posed to citizens’ lives by those involved in this illicit trade.

This warning follows a disturbing incident today, where forty-three (43) animals were apprehended during an attempt to smuggle them into the country via an illegal entry point in Icacos. Minister Hosein stresses the urgency of addressing this critical issue to protect human and animal populations from potential harm. The event unfolded around 9:30am on April 9th during a routine patrol when officers spotted an incoming vessel with a cart in tow. As they approached, they found the vessel already onshore, with a trailer tractor attempting to pull a cart onshore. Several individuals assisted in the operation, but they quickly fled after noticing the approaching officers leaving the cart behind. Subsequent inspection revealed the presence of livestock animals inside the cart, prompting immediate action and the intervention of technical teams of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

Minister Kazim Hosein vehemently condemns the deplorable and intolerable conditions under which these animals are transported, stating, “The cruel treatment of these animals is reprehensible and poses a grave threat to both animal welfare and public health.” He added that “Illegal animal imports violate existing regulations and is a criminal offense punishable by law.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, under the guidance of its Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), is conducting a thorough investigation into today’s incident. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities related to illegal animal imports. Collaborative efforts and heightened awareness are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with such activities and protecting our communities.

 

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April 04, 2024:-  In a recent assessment conducted by technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), it was discovered that Palmiste Park harboured seven beehives. Upon evaluation, three of these hives were identified as posing safety risks to park users, necessitating immediate action for their removal. Two hives were deemed high-risk and subsequently removed, while one hive was earmarked for relocation to a private Apiary under the care of a beekeeper.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we advise individuals enjoying any public space to exercise caution, as is common in any outdoor environment. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Ministry’s website for comprehensive information and tips on how to handle bee encounters.

The Ministry deeply values the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem and is dedicated to their preservation whenever possible. Our approach to bee management prioritises collaboration with beekeepers and the safe relocation of hives. Killing bees is always considered a last resort, and our specially trained crews respond to complaints from individuals impacted by bees, assessing the risk posed and evaluating accessibility to the hives before determining the appropriate action.

We appreciate the public’s concern for bee welfare and remain committed to fostering partnerships with beekeepers and communities to safeguard these essential pollinators. Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, reaffirms our dedication by allocating all necessary resources to address this matter. “Ensuring the safety of our citizens is paramount, and our Ministry will continue to monitor the situation at Palmiste Park. Recent events highlight the importance of proactive measures. Bee stings can have serious consequences, particularly for those who are allergic. We are committed to working diligently to ensure the safety of park users. Let us all exercise caution and prioritize safety in our recreational activities.”

For further information or assistance, please visit the MALF website or contact us directly.

 

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