July 05, 2023:- On Wednesday, 4th July 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries (MALF) distributed approximately 200,000 lbs of high-yielding, disease-resistant rice seeds to farmers. This initiative came to fruition following discussions between Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, on collaborative efforts to improve food security. The seeds were purchased by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, generously supplied by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), and distributed to thirty (30) farmers at the National Seed Bank in Chaguaramas.

 

This Rice Distribution project was developed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in July 2022. The MOU identified eight (8) areas for collaboration, including Rice, Aquaculture, Livestock Production, and Coconut. Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, praised the initiative as a testament to CARICOM member states to assist in reducing the food import bill by 25 % by 2025. “This project was born from a CARICOM Initiative to strengthen food and nutrition security within the region, the fact that this initiative aligned perfectly with this anniversary suggests some form of providence, and I remain confident that we will successfully revitalize the sector.”

 

During his contribution, Senator Hosein thanked his counterpart in Guyana, the Honourable Mustapha Zulfikar, for his unwavering support of this initiative.

 

Minister Hosein described the event as “a significant milestone in our journey to revitalizing and modernizing the rice industry. ” He further added that the distribution of rice seeds was part of a transformative project that would shape the future of our nation’s food security, “By revitalizing and modernizing our rice industry, we are strengthening our domestic agricultural sector, reducing our reliance on international markets, and enhancing our ability to feed our nation.”

 

Earlier this year, Minister Hosein met with stakeholders of the local rice industry and committed over five million dollars ($5Mn) for Phase One of the revitalization and modernization of the rice sector.

 

Also attending the ceremony was Mr. Nigel Grimes, Technical Advisor at MALF, who expressed optimism about the potential impact of the distributed rice seeds. “These rice seeds we received are expected to significantly boost the local rice yield by 30-35%, resulting in a substantial increase in production.”

 

In closing, the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to farmers saying, “Your support and collaboration are vital as we strive to transform our local rice industry into a thriving sector that contributes to our nation’s food security.”

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to driving the growth and sustainability of the local rice industry. Through collaborations with stakeholders and leveraging strategic partnerships, MALF aims to create a vibrant future for Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.

 

-END-

 

MEDIA RELEASE:

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) responds to report of an oil spill in Penal

 

Earlier today, members of the South Game Warden Unit accompanied by members of Serpentarium and officials from Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage) investigated reports of an oil spill affecting wildlife in Katwaroo Trace, Penal.

 

Investigations revealed that on Tuesday, 13th June, 2023 a breach occurred in a four-inch pipeline owned by Heritage resulting in the oil spill. Flooding in the immediate area, lead to the dispersion of oil which impacted 20 acres of marsh land. The incident has affected five sites in the Katwaroo Trace area, which is situated north of Clarke Road in close proximity to the Penal Heritage Facility.

Several wildlife species have been affected but have since been rescued and rehabilitated. Rescued animals include Brown-banded Water Snakes, Red-sided Water Snakes, Caimans and River Turtles. Wild Ducks, Capybaras, Mongoose and Herons were also affected but not severely impacted and have since left the affected areas.

 

During an extensive site assessment conducted alongside Heritage officials, Game Wardens were informed by Mr. Dave Samlal, CCMER Advisor at Heritage, that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure an effective and efficient restoration of the impact zone and the affected community.

 

Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries commended all teams on their efforts and dedication to preserving the wildlife of the country. “The response and subsequent clean-up exercises of this oil spill have been incident free, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our Game Wardens and the cooperation extended by all involved parties.”

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries remains committed to preserving our natural resources and protecting our wildlife. We will continue to closely monitor the restoration efforts and ensure the well-being of all affected species.

 

 

-END-

MEDIA RELEASE:

NO EVIDENCE OF A JAGUAR IN PALO SECO AT THIS TIME

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) launched extensive investigations into the reports of the sighting of an exotic animal in Palo Seco.

Over the last seven days, the MALF coordinated efforts amongst several stakeholders, including its Game Warden Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Emperor Valley Zoo and the Zoological Society, to effectively investigate the claims.

MALF utilized specialized surveillance and trapping equipment which was brought into the area where the alleged sighting took place; bait was also placed along the tracking scenarios.

To date, NO evidence has been found to support the claims that a live exotic animal not indigenous to this land is occupying the area.

All camps linked to the investigation were dismantled on Sunday, 11th June 2023. MALF wishes to remind the public of the dangers and implications of the importation and trafficking of illegal wildlife.

Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, commended all the teams on their efforts and once again reiterated the call to be vigilant against traffickers.

“Introducing animals not indigenous to the land into our habitat will disturb and disrupt the ecosystem; the effects can be disastrous to lives and livelihoods. I once again implore the public to be mindful of the consequences of the illegal wildlife trade; we owe it to the next generation to act responsibly.”

The public is encouraged to contact the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division at 225-3827/3828/3829 and 225-3835 if they have information on illegal animals.

 

-END-

 

MEDIA RELEASE:

MALF works with stakeholders in relation to reports of the sighting of an exotic animal in Palo Seco

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries continues to work with all groups and relevant stakeholders in relation to reports of the sighting of an exotic animal in Palo Seco.

Earlier today, members of the Game Warden Unit accompanied several community groups to sites in South Trinidad to investigate claims of possible sightings. During the investigation, a number of paw prints were discovered in a forested area.

MALF, through its Forestry Division, is currently coordinating with the Zoological Society and its experts to better assist with the proper classification of the prints found.

MALF will keep members of the public abreast of all developments. Our officers remain on the ground, vigilant, and will continue to respond to all reports that are confirmed.

We are advising the public to continue to exercise all precautions and continue to heed the updates from credible sources.

Public members are encouraged to contact the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division at 225-3827/3828/3829 and 225-3835 if they have information on illegal animals.

 

-END-

May 27, 2023: Members of the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) believe they may have made a major breakthrough in a cattle stealing ring in Central following the arrest of two (2) men in Cunupia on Thursday, May 25th 2023.

The two men, ages 41 and 18, were arrested after they were found to be in possession of two (2) of the four (4) animals reported missing by a Central farmer.

On May 6th, the victim, a livestock farmer who occupies thirty (30) acres of leasehold agricultural, reported that four (4) of his animals were missing: two (2) bull calves valued at $5000.00 each and two (2) adult cows valued at $8000.00 each.

Based on the information received, the PLS, accompanied by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), visited an open area in Cunupia where two (2) of the four (4) missing animals were discovered.

The two (2) accused men, were arrested and charged by WPC Kissoon of the PLS South Central Base, in connection with the missing animals.

The PLS continues to work closely with members of the TTPS and other protective services to ensure the safety of the agricultural community.

April 10, 2023:- The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, commends the recent seizure of a large quantity of illegal honey by the Customs and Excise Division and says that such action by the State’s border control was part of the Government’s multi-pronged effort at ensuring that unsafe, illegal imports are neither consumed by the public nor result in any outbreak of disease.

Minister Hosein said that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries – through regulated systems – controls agricultural products entering and leaving the country at the air and sea ports with the aim of preventing the entry of pest and diseases of plant and plant products, animal and animal products, fisheries, forest plant /products and wildlife. He said: “The introduction of pests and diseases threaten economic growth, food security and ecosystems as well as port and maritime security and measures must be taken to safeguard the sector against illegal imports.”

He said too that illegal trade negatively impacted the agriculture sector and should be discouraged at all costs. “The illegal trade of agricultural products affects our local producers through unfair pricing systems as these tend to be sold below market price, thereby creating an economic  disadvantage. Added to this is the likelihood that such trade can impede our brand reputation for certain agricultural products (niche markets) and consequently, the country’s export revenue”, Minister Hosein said.

The Minister takes this opportunity to remind the public of the need to exercise due diligence when purchasing honey by ensuring that each product is appropriately labeled (with the Apiarist’s unique number affixed to each bottle) and that the importation of honey is prohibited.

Citizens are encouraged to report any information of illegal entry of honey and plant products in Trinidad and Tobago, to the Ministry’s Inspector of Apiaries at 662-4479 and the Plant Quarantine Unit at 280-7938, respectively.

 

April 06, 2023:- The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein presented over six million dollars ($6Mn) in cheques to some sixty-two (62) recipients of the Agricultural Finance Support (Agro-Incentive) Programme, yesterday (Wednesday 5^th April, 2023). The exercise, which represented the single largest cohort of grant recipients to date, took place at the Head Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in Chaguanas.

During his address at the Cheque Disbursement Ceremony, Minister Hosein reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment whereby local food producers can thrive within the wider context of national food security and safety. He said, “I want to assure you that this Government of which I am a part, remains dedicated to improving agriculture as a whole in our country”. He also informed those in attendance that “this programme was designed strategically to improve the efficiency and productivity of our sector by helping our stakeholders to access and utilize technology that is available to assist in good agricultural and manufacturing practices.”

In closing, the Minister commended the recipients for their commitment to innovation by proposing new, improved innovative agricultural activities saying, “I encourage you to continue this trend and look for opportunities to add value to your products.”

In expressing her heartfelt appreciation, one of the beneficiaries of today’s Agro-Incentive – Ms. Lajwantee Seejore-Humphrey – said that the funding will be of “tremendous benefit” to her tomato production enterprise as it will enable her to extend and refurbish her greenhouse facility and thus, contribute to both increased and sustainable agricultural production. The Gran Couva farmer added: “The incentive offers persons a unique opportunity to invest in modernized agricultural practices which are often times, far more attractive as compared to the labour-intensive nature of conventional and traditional techniques.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the agriculture sector through initiatives like this Agro-Incentive Grant Programme.