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.

April 05, 2023: Earlier today, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) announced its receipt of a state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT), during a brief handover ceremony which took place at MALF’s Head Office in Chaguanas. This remarkable technology will enable the Ministry, through its Surveys and Mapping Division, to achieve progress in land management and fulfill its obligations under the Land Surveyors Act No. 33 of 1996, Part III Section 13 (D and E).

Minister Kazim Hosein expressed his gratitude to his Cabinet colleague, the Minister of Digital Transformation, Senator the Honourable Hassel Bacchus and by extension, the MDT, for the generous donation of the UAV, saying, “this marks the beginning of a new era for our Surveys and Mapping Division.” Since the last comprehensive aerial survey and mapping exercise on a national scale in 2014, the demand for current imagery for various purposes such as monitoring state lands, property valuation, flood mitigation and coastal monitoring, has grown significantly. During his address, Minister Hosein remarked, “The inclusion of this UAV in our arsenal will not only meet this growing demand but will also lead to more frequent updates of our map base, ensuring its accuracy and relevance.” He further added that with the UAV’s Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) as well as its photogrammetry capabilities, the Ministry can now efficiently and economically survey small geographic areas, providing timely and accurate data for a wide range of applications.

Also attending the handover ceremony was Minister Bacchus, who commended the work performed by MALF’s Surveys and Mapping Division and encouraged the Ministry’s personnel to efficiently utilize the UAV.

Following the formal segment of the programme, a flight simulation exercise was conducted by the pilots in order to demonstrate the UAV’s effectiveness and efficiency.

March 31, 2023: The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has intensified its efforts to address the impact of the Moruga Grasshoppers (Moruga Locusts) population in Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to ongoing pest management and containment strategies, the Ministry has set up dedicated teams in four county offices to address the problem at a community level.

Currently, MALF’s containment strategies, target the locusts’ 1-year lifecycle. During this period, the Ministry undertakes vigilant surveillance activities to detect, contain and destroy the pest.

Targeted spraying of chemicals using mist blowers and boom sprayers is utilized along the perimeter of the infested forests to destroy the locusts at their most vulnerable (hopper) stage.

MALF continues to conduct sensitization sessions in affected areas, educating citizens on best and safe practices to combat the pest.

The Ministry will continue to explore all viable options and work with all stakeholders to ensure the situation is effectively managed.
Citizens are urged to contact the Ministry’s regional offices for further assistance;

• St Patrick East, PENAL – 647 8871
• St Patrick West, POINT FORTIN – 648 1426
• Nariva/Mayaro, RIO CLARO – 644 2882
• Victoria – 655 1742

March 18, 2023: The Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) has launched its Fire Patrol System for 2023. The system is expected to run from March 1st to May 31st to coincide with the hottest part of the Dry Season.

During this period, patrols will target “Hot Spots” areas such as Diego Martin and the Northern Range.

According to the Agricultural Fires Act, the Fire Season starts on December 1st in any one year and ends on June 30th of the following year.

The Ministry wishes to remind citizens that a permit is required to light any outdoor fires during this period, including land-clearing exercises in the sector.

Failure to obtain a Permit carries a fine of $20,000 and six months imprisonment.

Senator, the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, urges the public to be vigilant and advises that “reckless behaviour may have dire consequences on the environment.”

 “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has placed environmental considerations at the heart of its development policy to enhance food security. Fires may have devastating effects on the forests and its inhabitants. Hence, we must do all in our power to protect and preserve our natural resources,” added Senator Hosein.

The Forestry Division is mandated to ensure that the forest biodiversity is sustainably managed and protected.

As of March 12^th, 2023, it has been recorded that within the six (6) conservancies and National Parks Section, the total number of fires is at (75) seventy-five, which has burnt and affected a total land space area of 326.58 hectares.

Table of Conservancies / National Parks

Conservancies	Total # of Fires	Total # of Ha Burnt
North West	14	45.0
North East	1	0.25
North Central	5	15.53
South West	19	140.4
South East	1	6.0
South Central	23	104.5
National Parks (Kernaham)	12	14.9
Total	75	326.58

The officers and staff continue to do daily fire patrols throughout the island.

The Forestry Division is charged with the mandate to manage the states, Forests, Wildlife and Natural Resources. The Forestry Division is in charge of 192,000ha of lands comprising 36 Forest Reserve, 11 Game Sanctuaries and State lands.

MALF wishes to remind citizens that the following guidelines should be adhered to if a Permit is granted:

• Burn only during the period specified on the Permit.
• Avoid leaving cut trees, bushes or brush lying around. (Discard safely to reduce

fire risk.)

• Have water readily available to extinguish a fire.
• Don’t burn during periods of high wind or hot, dry periods.
• Have extra help available to assist in controlling fire.
• Clear fire trace around the area to be burned.
• Burn small amounts at a time.

 

END

 

March 07, 2023: On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) recognizes the contribution of Ms. Ramraje Ramsawak, a 103-year-old female farmer in South Trinidad. Ramsawak is the eldest market vendor in Trinidad and Tobago who continues to toil her lands daily, providing fresh produce for sale at the Southern Wholesale Market in Debe.

Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and a team of officials from the Ministry visited Ramsawak at her home, earlier this morning (Tuesday 7th March 2023).

During the visit, Ramsawak shared stories about her life, travels, children, and love for agriculture, saying her “time on the land provides her with independence and freedom.” Minister Hosein describes Ramsawak as an inspiration to all: “Tomorrow, the world commemorates International Women’s Day. A day set aside to celebrate the achievements of women while making a worldwide call to action to strengthen efforts for supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. What better way to recognize this day than with a woman who embodies the qualities of strength and resilience.”

 “Agriculture is an important engine of growth and poverty reduction; women are the backbone of all sectors, and agriculture is no different. Ramraje is an example of the strength of a woman who is determined to write her own story and live by her own rules, a story of power over adversity and one of independence,” he added.

 During the visit, Ramsawak generously shared her secrets to a long and vibrant life, saying she believes in charity, humility, and a daily dose of sweets to satisfy her sweet tooth. As a devout Hindu, the 103-year-old farmer, recounted her life-changing encounter with Sai Baba in India; she described that meeting as a pivotal moment in her life, embracing the concepts of service to mankind.

Minister Hosein commended Ramsawak on her determination and quick wits, admiring the fact that she rises at 2:00 am to prepare for her daily chores, which include cooking, cleaning and her market duties.

Officials from the Ministry presented her with a plaque recognizing her long-standing service and dedication to the sector and several food hampers. Minister Hosein hopes Ramraje’s story will be a beacon of hope to other women to view agriculture as a viable career option.

“There are a number of training courses we continue to offer at the Ministry to assist women in Agriculture through the Extension Training & Information Services Division. There is also the Agricultural Incentive Programme, which is available to all citizens. There are many options available in this sector, and I hope to see more and more women occupy positions along the value chain.”

Also accompanying the Minister was Mrs. Coomarie Goolabsingh, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) and Mrs. Nela Dwarika-Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary.

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March 03, 2023: The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein, is issuing a clarion call to all citizens to come together to protect and celebrate the incredible wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister’s call comes as the world commemorates World Wildlife Day 2023; this year’s theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”, highlights the need for all sectors of society to work together to make a significant contribution toward sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

In an address issued today, the Minister stated, “Our country is home to a rich array of unique and fascinating wildlife. We must celebrate the incredible biodiversity of our twin island state and recognize the importance of protecting our natural heritage.”

He added Trinidad and Tobago is home to many endangered species, inclusive of the Golden Tree Frog and birds such as the White-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis), Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis) and the Trinidad Piping-guan or Pawi (Pipile pipile).

Recognizing this fact, Minister Hosein lamented that many of these species are “threatened by habitat loss, overhunting and are victims of illegal wildlife trade.” While he is confident that the recent strides that have been made in the conservation efforts will yield positive results, he is cognizant that more work needs to be done to ensure the survival of our unique and diverse wildlife.

He called on citizens to take action to conserve and restore their habitats, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable practices that allow both people and wildlife to thrive.

To commemorate this day, Minister Hosein spent the morning participating in a school outreach programme at the Ministry’s Forestry Division on Farm Road, St Joseph. Students of the Trinidad Muslim League Primary School in St. Joseph interacted with members of the Forestry Division and various NGOs. It was an interactive session, and students were exposed to lessons on biodiversity and conservation efforts. During the outreach, the Minister also participated in a simulation fire prevention exercise.

In closing, Minister Kazim Hosein urged the students to spend some time today to appreciate the country’s wildlife beauty.

March 02, 2023: The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to thank all citizens who participated in the recently concluded Giant African Snail (GAS) Sensitization Campaign. The Sensitization Campaign, which was a pilot project, ran for three (3) weeks (January 16th – February 2nd).

During the campaign, nine (9) days were dedicated as collection days at our two (2) test sites, County St George West and County Caroni. Each site was open to the public for a three (3)-hour window on dedicated collection days. This pilot project, which was tested in other regional jurisdictions, was initiated by our technical teams to continue raising public awareness, educating stakeholders, assessing the Ministry’s responses and engaging community groups.

During the campaign, members of our teams processed 5457.5 kg, which equates to over 120,000 snails removed. As a result, a total of TTD $27,262.00 has been paid out to all citizens who participated. Our technical teams continue to meet to evaluate the pilot project and other options for managing the Giant African Snails in Trinidad.

Currently, through its Extension, Training and Information Services Division, the Ministry continues to educate farmers and all stakeholders on the safest methods to protect their produce from the Giant African Snails. As we continue to battle this problem, we need the support of all stakeholders, particularly the media, to protect our farmers and our country’s food supply.

We look forward to partnering with you as the project continues.

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