Agriculture Minister says…“Multi-faceted Approach implemented to assist flood-affected farmers”

Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, empathizes with farmers adversely impacted by the torrential rains which occurred over the past few days. He wishes to inform all those affected that “the Government has implemented a multi-faceted approach involving several ministries and agencies to ensure that all registered farmers and affected citizens receive assistance in the shortest possible time.”

He continued by saying, “I have witnessed the impact of flooding on the farming community and I wish to assure all those affected that this government will mobilize the necessary resources to not only bring relief but also return a level of normalcy and productivity to this valuable sector.”

Minister Hosein reiterated the response provided by the Honourable Prime Minister during the Questions segment in the Parliament on Friday 11th November, 2022, whereby on the urgent request of the Honourable Prime Minister, a Coordinating Unit was established. This Unit will involve coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Public Utilities, Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as well as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, WASA, T&TEC, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service, National Quarries Company Limited, and SWMCOL; all in an effort to lend support to those affected across the country.

The Minister further encouraged all registered farmers to visit their nearest County Offices throughout the country to make their flood damage claims. Farmers are advised that claims should be made to the relevant County Agricultural Offices as soon as possible and / or within ten (10) working days. After the water subsides, an Agricultural Extension Officer will contact farmers and visit their respective holding in order to verify the accuracy of the claims made, following which, the claims will be sent for timely processing.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and by extension the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remain committed to ensuring that every effort is made to assist all affected farmers during this difficult time.

The following are contact information for the County Offices;

Contact: 662-5127/1886

Contact: 316-2916

Contact: 797-2740

 

Regional Administration South (Inverness Ave., San Fernando) – Main Office South

Contact: 225-4727/225-4637

Contact: 647-8871

Contact: 648-2384/1426

 

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October 27, 2022. In keeping with the Government’s thrust for the public service to digitize and make more efficient, the quality of service delivery meted out to its stakeholders, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, met with the Minister of Digital Transformation, Senator the Honourable Hassel Bacchus and his technical team, yesterday (Wednesday 26th October, 2022) at the Head Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) in Chaguanas.

This meeting sought to apprise the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) of the many initiatives advanced by the Ministry pursuant to its digitization efforts as well as solicit from the MDT, any technical advice and co-operation, where necessary. Among the issues discussed were; the procurement/acquisition of equipment; an upgrade of its I.C.T server and hyper-converge infrastructure; a network change-out and migration; the utilization of drone technology and software that will allow for access to spacial data; legislative reform and; the incorporation of a mediation system to link the Ministry’s data management systems/platforms.

At the culmination of these discussions, Minister Hosein thanked Minister Bacchus and his team for engaging the MALF in this initial exercise as he pledged the full commitment of the Agriculture Ministry in bringing the optimization process to fruition.

Also representing the MALF at the meeting were the: Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh; Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (with responsibility for Lands) Senator the Honourable Nigel de Freitas; Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Mrs. Coomarie Goolabsingh; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Mrs. Ramdai Sookdeo; Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Dr. Simone Titus; Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ms. Leah Balkaran; and other members of staff including the ICT Manager, Mr. Nigel Soogrim; Manager of Corporate Communications Mr. Dominic Hinds; Senior Land Information Officer Ms. Tricia Melville and Senior Information System Support Specialist Mr. Rondell George.

In addition, were other MDT representatives who comprised the: Digital Transformation Advisor Mr. Devindra Ramnarine; Chief Digital Officer Mr. Wendell Mitchell; Deputy Chief Digital Officer Mr. Wayne Nakid and; Strategic Project Delivery Manager Mr. Anish Roopnarinesingh.

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In delivering remarks, at the University of the West Indies’ ‘Candlelight Vigil for World Food Day 2022’ on Monday 17th October, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein reiterated the importance of farmers, fisher folk and key stakeholders across the agriculture sector.

During his remarks, Minister Hosein commended the U.W.I. for their continued efforts and support saying, “we remain grateful for the advice and guidance from key partners like the U.W.I. and F.A.O. as we continue to make steps to reduce our food import bill and increase local production across the value and distribution chains”. He further re-affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that no-one is left behind in the global fight against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Minister Hosein’s key message during his remarks was directed to the perpetrators who continue to steal from hardworking livestock and crop farmers and fisher folk. He issued a stern warning to all lawbreakers and thieves saying, “Grow Your Own Food; Leave the Animals and Crops of Farmers Alone. The price of animals is very expensive so when a livestock farmer loses an animal, he suffers a grave loss. Similarly, when a farmer loses his crops – the damage is debilitating.” The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries further emphasized saying that all farmers and fisher folk work tirelessly to make an honest living and it is very unfair that lawless individuals would steal their produce and boats among other items.

At the World Food Day 2022 Candlelight Vigil, last evening, Minister Hosein reassured the public that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) is working closely with the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) to ensure that the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) is adequately staffed and equipped to provide efficient services to farmers and fisher folks across the country, especially in rural communities. Additionally, he stated that the public should expect strengthened joint patrols with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) and the Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) in the farming communities.  

In concluding, the Agriculture Minister encouraged members of the public to report incidents of theft and suspicious activity to the TTPS, TTMPS and the PLS in their respective county.

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The Government has recognized that in order to achieve food and nutrition security, it must continue to focus on improvements to crop quality, especially those varieties tolerant to pests, diseases and climatic changes. So said the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas, as he delivered the feature address on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein at the World Food Day Exhibition hosted by the World Food Day National Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT) on Saturday 15th October, 2022 at the MALF Head Office in Chaguanas.

“Our strategy is to diversify the agricultural sector and enhance our food security systems. In this regard, key commodities have been targeted for development, including: strategic crops for food sovereignty and food security; vegetable crops for higher self-sufficiency; and crops required for agro-processing and the production of value-added products”, he added.

Minister de Freitas further stated that blockchain technology would soon be introduced by the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO). He said artificial intelligence along with geographical information systems (GIS) technologies will be used in establishing a traceability system on the entire food value chain. This initiative will also facilitate the forecasting of production data, with stakeholders being able to access information in real time.

Also speaking at the event were the: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh; Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative to Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, Mr. Rueben Robertson and Chairman of the WFDNCTT and Director (Ag.), Extension Training and Information Services Division, Ms. Deanne Ramroop.

Today’s event which was held in commemoration of World Food Day (observed on October 16 annually) was themed, “Leave No One Behind: Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life”. The programme included a “live” plant clinic (diagnosis of insect pest and diseases); demonstrations on composting; alternatives to livestock feed; a seed, seedling and sapling distribution; information on natural pesticides and advice on emerging vertical farming technologies. Also participating was the Ministry of Trade and Industry which shared information from its Consumer Affairs Division and TTbizlink Unit.

The WFDNCTT is a Cabinet appointed committee under the purview of Agriculture Ministry with a mandate to create public awareness and guidance on the complex issue of ensuring food security for all. It draws attention to the management and protection of national food systems, the country’s nutritional status, and the right to food and food access for vulnerable and food insecure groups of the national community, based on the WFD theme identified each year.

 


The Government’s commitment to safeguarding the development of the nation’s dairy sector continues to be strengthened through the injection of private sector investment. Such was the prevailing sentiment of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein on Friday 30th September, 2022, in his address at the official opening of Nestle’s Head Office and Plant-Based Production Line in Valsayn.

In his identification of the Nestle brand as “an integral part” of the food landscape in Trinidad and Tobago since 1914, Minister Hosein lauded the company’s efforts at increasing local dairy production through initiatives such as the Model Farm Development Project in Turure. He said: “Nestle’s passion and persistence in achieving its objectives, are closely aligned with the Government’s vision and the Ministry’s aim to reduce our food import bill and attain food security by increasing local milk production and providing access to sustainable business  avenues for our local farmers.”

The Minister added that he was particularly pleased with the fact that despite the economic and other challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Nestle was able to open a new Plant-Based Production Line at its factory which, according to him, will no doubt, create jobs; attract quality, local produce and; diversify its range of product options available to consumers. “I wish to commend Nestle for its commitment and drive in ensuring the progress of the agriculture sector and look forward to our continued dialogue on the sustainability of the dairy sector in Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Hosein ended.

Also speaking at the official opening and joining Minister Hosein on the tour of the new facilities were the: Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon; Head of Market at Nestle Anglo Dutch Caribbean, Mr. Josue De La Maza; and Chief Executive Officer of Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen.

Ministry opens Hunting Season from October 1st, 2022

 September 30, 2022:-  The Public is hereby advised of the following:

a) In accordance with the Conservation of Wild Life Act Chapter 67:01, the close Season outlined in the Fifth Schedule is April 1st to September 30th therefore the hunting season is opened throughout Trinidad and Tobago from October 1st to March 31st annually. It is important to note however, that the period for hunting is October 1st to February 28th 2023 which is also the validity of the State Game Licenses (Regulation (2) (d).

b) The month of March is designated for the disposal of all Game Species/Wild meat. Hunting is strictly prohibited (Legal notice No. 116 of 2002).

c) The period for hunting of the Lizard species, Iguana, ends on December 31st and is prohibited within the municipal boundaries of Port of Spain (Legal notice No. 281 of 2019) and (Regulations (6) (1) (c) and (7) (1A).

d) The hours of hunting in any Forest Reserve are from 5:00am until 7:30 pm daily (Regulation (7) (1).

e) The mandatory data form attached to the State Game Licenses must be correctly completed and returned to the Forestry Division on or before May 31st (Regulation 2 (1) (e) and 2 (3). Failure to comply is an offence which carries a maximum fine of $5,000.00 dollars (Legal notice No. 280 of 2019).

f) Each Hunter is allowed a maximum of three (3) State Game Licenses (Regulation 2 (2). The Game animals listed in part I of the Second Schedule that can be hunted are Alligator or Cayman/ Lizard, Agouti, Armadillo (Tattoo), Deer (in Trinidad only), Lappe and Quenk (Pecary or Wild Hog).

g) Please be advised that the Waterfowl season has been revoked therefore the hunting of Animals listed under Part II of the Second Schedule is strictly prohibited (Legal notice No. 280 of 2019).

h) Cage Birds listed in Part III of the Second Schedule that can be hunted are Cravat or Trinidad Euphonia, Parakeet or Green-rumped Parrotlet and Semp or Violaceous Euphonia (Legal notice No. 137 of 2016).

 

ANIMALS PROHIBITED FROM HUNTING

Any animal not listed in the Second and Third Schedules of the Conservation of Wild Life Act Chapter 67:01.  Section (2).

Hunters are therefore advised to comply with the wild life laws of Trinidad and Tobago. Any breaches under the Conservation of Wild Life Act Chapter 67:01, carry fines of $1,500.00 to a maximum of $10,000.00 dollars (Act 19 of 2018) and any breaches under the Regulations carry fines of $2.000.00 to a maximum of $5,000.00 dollars (Legal notice No. 280 of 2019).

 

RETURN OF MANDATORY DATA FORMS

Mandatory Data forms are to be returned in Trinidad, on or before 31st May 2023, at the following Forestry Division Offices:

  1. Damrie Hill, Sangre Grande
  2. Long Circular Road, St. James
  3. Pleasantville, San Fernando
  4. Rio Claro
  5. Farm Road, St. Joseph
  6. Chaguanas District Revenue Office

Mandatory Data forms are to be returned in Tobago, on or before 31st May 2023, at the:

Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development

Department of Natural Resources and Forestry

Milshirv Administrative Complex,

Corner Milford and Shirvan Road,

Tobago.

 

Mr. Denny Dipchansingh

Conservator of Forests

Minister Hosein witnesses Lottery Draw for Teak and Pine Units

 

A total of eighty-eight (88) teak units and forty-five (45) pine units were allocated to licensed sawmillers via a lottery draw hosted on Friday 23rd September, 2022, by the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF). Witnessing the process at San Fernando Hill, was the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Acting Permanent Secretary (MALF), Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh and Conservator of Forests, Mr. Denny Dipchansingh.

Minister Hosein, in his remarks prior to the commencement of the lottery proceedings, reminded staff of the need to provide optimal service to the Ministry’s valued stakeholders (including sawmillers) and emphasized the importance of achieving client satisfaction in all their interactions and undertakings. He said, “We as public servants have a duty to be of optimal service to the public and that requires that we not only be efficient in the execution of our duties but also accessible to the people in need of our service.” Minister Hosein also reaffirmed his commitment to work alongside each sawmiller, giving them the ministry’s full support.

In his reference to National Geographic and its identification of loggers as being amongst the top ten (10) most dangerous jobs in the world, Mr. Dipchansingh lauded the work of sawmillers and the integral role they play in the lumber industry. In the same vein, he urged them to be compliant with the relevant legislation governing the State’s management of forests and to work harmoniously with the staff of the Forestry Division as the sale of teak and pine is guided by a Cabinet-approved policy (Teak and Pine Sales Policy) which continues to evolve as it aims to treat adequately with the changing needs of the industry.

Each of the qualifying sawmillers eligible for teak units received their respective allocation while only forty percent (40 %) of qualifying Sawmillers succeeded in securing an allocation for pine units, due to their limited availability this year. Sawmillers who were successful in acquiring allocations at the lottery draw are to be formally notified of same within two (2) weeks, at which point, they would then have the option to either accept or decline the allocation after viewing their respective units.

The State’s teak and pine plantations currently stand at approximately 6,400 hectares of teak and 3,393 of pine which have a rotation cycle of fifty (50) and thirty (30) years, respectively.

Agricultural stakeholders to benefit from MoU between ADB and NEDCO

The development of the agricultural sector requires the stimulation of activity along every stage of the agricultural value chain. So said the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh on Wednesday 21st September, 2022, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) of Trinidad and Tobago and the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited (NEDCO).

The MOU, which paves the way for ADB’s prospective clients to participate in NEDCO’s Business Accelerator Programme (BAP), will empower youths by strengthening their entrepreneurial skillset whilst also assisting in the development of the agriculture sector through the provision of financing. Under the BAP, clients will benefit from networking, training, advisory, mentorship and access to funding opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Minister Singh said he was heartened by the strategic alliance between NEDCO and the ADB which he cited as being both proactive and innovative and one which would enable farmers to have that level of respect they truly deserve. He noted that agriculture has been identified as a key element in the country’s diversification strategy (Vision 2030) and that the objective for the development of the sector is to create an enabling environment, inclusive of the provision of incentives, infrastructural improvements, markets, land availability and skills enhancement.

Once achieved, he added, such would lead to a culture shift that would revolutionize the industry as we know it. “The aim is to facilitate the smooth transition to a culture of agri-entrepreneurship, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector that would no doubt lend itself to increased employment, reduced demands for both imported food and foreign exchange whilst increasing economic activity, not just within the agricultural sector, but related sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, just to name a few.”

Also speaking at the MOU signing was the Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service who saw the NEDCO / ADB collaboration as one that would improve the lives of young people by supporting the vast potential of a sector which held great promise. He said: “Agriculture is the most immediate means of generating income and employment for a large segment of our population, therefore it is important that our young people gain access to agricultural resources and use them in conjunction with modern strategies to improve their livelihoods and achieve, sustainable economic growth.”

The MOU was signed by Mr. Sheivan Ramnath and Mr. Calvin Maurice, the Chief Executive Officers of the ADB and NEDCO respectively.


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