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.
26 Young Farmers Benefit from Over $2M in Agriculture Grant Funding
Earlier today, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein distributed a total of twenty-six (26) grants to young farmers valued at over two million ($2Mn) as part of the first cohort of the Youth ‘Fast Track’ Agricultural Finance Support Programme (Agro-Incentive).
The Ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas, saw the disbursement of grants to persons aged 18-35, up to the maximum value of $100,000. In attendance were; Minister of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) the Honourable Foster Cummings; Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh; Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh as well as members of the Grant Assessment Committee.
By emphasising the importance of the agriculture sector in the region and more so, CARICOM’s mandate to reduce the Regional Import Bill by 25% by the year 2025, Minister Hosein opined that there was an increasing need to achieve food security and create viable avenues for sustainable increase in our local production. He further noted that in the latter part of 2021, Government agreed to the operationalisation of the Youth ‘Fast Track’ Agro-Incentive, having recognised both the ageing farming population and the increased number of requests for grant support by young persons across our country.
Minister Kazim Hosein stated, “By supporting young, upcoming farmers, the agriculture sector would benefit from innovative approaches and ideas. Additionally, it would provide Government support to our youth with aspirations of entering the agriculture field which in turn, would bear fruit for our country in the form of the increased productive capacity and marketability of local products in both regional and international markets.”
Attributing the programme’s assessment delays to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister was keen to note that nothing happens without reason and before its appointed time. In so doing he also lauded the work of the Assessment Committee whose recommendations he opined, would ensure that the Youth ‘Fast Track’ Agro-Incentive evolves and “grows from strength to strength”.
Also speaking at the event was Minister Foster Cummings who said that if nothing else, the sheer quantum and value of grants disbursed at the ceremony today, was enough to dispel the misguided notion that young persons were not interested in agriculture nor that the Government was not genuinely committed to the cause.
In her welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Goolabsingh said that the Youth ‘Fast Track’ Agro-Incentive was specifically implemented to alleviate the inordinate delays experienced by young food producers in accessing grants, incentives and subsidies offered by the Ministry of Agriculture and was designed to assist farmers in need with a particular kind of intervention – not previously catered for amongst the Ministry’s traditional agricultural incentives – that would lend itself to increased production, sustainability, resilience to climate change and the overall enhancement of health and safety conditions.
In closing, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein reaffirmed his commitment saying that as the first servant in the Ministry, he remains committed to working with all our agriculture stakeholders to bridge the gap that currently exist and to make agriculture a viable option for the younger generations.
Issuance of State Game Licenses for the 2022-2023 Hunting Season
The Conservator of Forests/Chief Game Warden wishes to advise that the hunting of designated wildlife will commence on Saturday 1st October, 2022 and end on Tuesday 28th February, 2023. This is in accordance with the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
In this regard, State Game Licenses will be available from Monday 19th September, 2022 between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday at the following Forestry Division Offices in Trinidad and Tobago:
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State Game Licenses will cost $100 each with a Limit of three (3) State Game Licenses per hunter.
The Ministry thanks all hunters for their continued support and again wishes to remind persons to be responsible to ensure a safe and successful hunting season.
About State Game Licenses
A State Game License is a ‘permit’ to hunt a particular species or group of animals listed under of the Second Schedule of the Conservation of Wildlife Act during October 1st to February 27th or February 28th. The State Game License is not transferable and must be produced upon demand by a Game Warden, including Honorary Game Warden, Forest Officer and Constables.
MALF hosts Appreciation Luncheon for volunteers of the recently concluded TT Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II
Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, expressed great humility as he thanked all those whose contributions led to the success of the recently concluded TT Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II (August 19-21), at an Appreciation Luncheon on Monday 5th September, 2022.
The event – which was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) around mid-day at San Fernando Hill – witnessed the presence of more than one hundred persons, most of whom received certificates of commendation which were distributed by Minister Hosein as well as the Ministers in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh and Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas; Acting Permanent Secretary (MALF), Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh and Chief Technical Officer (MALF), Dr. Simone Titus. In culmination of the day’s events, guests were treated to both East Indian and Creole cuisine in addition to dessert and memorabilia tokens.
In his usual upbeat and inspiring candour, Minister Hosein was in high praise of his Senate / Cabinet colleagues and in particular, those young group of volunteers – both within and external to the Ministry – whose selfless commitment, lengthy service hours, diligence and meticulous oversight to the work at hand, were lauded as instrumental to the event’s smooth and seamless execution.
The Minister noted too that this year’s agri-investment forum and expo was only a taste of great things to come as he hinted at an annual event of this nature, carded to commence from as early as next year in the City of San Fernando.
Preceding the luncheon was a brief close-out (post-mortem) session with representatives of the Inter-Ministerial Committee which was established to treat with the event planning and co-ordination of the TT Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II.
Agricultural Services Division launches online platform for planting material
Yesterday (August 3rd, 2022), the Agricultural Services Division (ASD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries launched its ‘Grow Trinbago Website’. The online electronic catalogue will allow users to access information on a wide variety of commodities in a user friendly format and assist them in making informed decisions when it comes to the purchasing of planting material.
In delivering the feature address at the Ministry’s St. Augustine Nurseries at Farm Road in Curepe on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein – Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh said that the website will provide persons with an “extra layer of information” as it seeks to apprise the public with relevant information in several areas. Among such data include: the availability of planting material available throughout the year and the soil type required for the best crop yields; the most suitable periods in which to grow and; how these respective planting material should be grown.
Minister Singh lauded the ASD for its initiative and further stated that the Division has “truly taken the bull of digitalisation by its horns and is now better equipped to carry a significant part of the Ministry’s services, directly to the stakeholders who require them.”
Also delivering remarks at the event was the Director (Ag.) of the Agricultural Services Division, Mr. Allan Balfour, who said that the website was conceptualised out of the State’s policy on promoting e-governance so as to increase efficiency of services to the national community. He said: “It is in this regard, that the ASD took the ambitious step towards the digitisation of sales –services of plating material via the Grow Trinbago Portal”. He further stated, that it was the Ministry’s expectation that this new process will overall improve customer service and by extension, enhance the efficiency of both the sales operations and product inventory systems at the Ministry’s plant propagation stations.
Present at the website launch were the: Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Nigel De Freitas; Acting Permanent Secretary (MALF), Ms. Coomarie Goolabsingh; Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (MALF), Ms. Ramdai Sookdeo; Chief Technical Officer (MALF), Dr. Simone Titus; Agricultural Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. John Alleyne; Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) in Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Diana Francis and; Head of the Political & Economic Team at the British High Commission, Mr. John Dyson.
About the Grow Trinbago Website
The site (https://growtrinbago.agriculture.gov.tt/) will enable persons to browse (or download) products ranging from fruits, herbs and spices, ornamentals and grasses, root crops and vegetables in addition to a schedule outlining the products’ availability throughout the year. Added to this, the platform also features a host of agricultural publications as well as soil capability and pH maps. In due course, customers will be able to transact direct online purchasing of commodities of their choice.
Agriculture Minister launches TT Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II
The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein launched the Trinidad and Tobago’s Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II, scheduled to take place on August 19-21.
The theme for this initiative is “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation and Investment”. It aims to revolutionise the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago and by extension across CARICOM Member States. An important part of its agenda is to strengthen linkages along the food value and distribution chains in order to make locally-produced food more affordable and attractive throughout the country. Furthermore, the event will also highlight the use of technology to modernize current agricultural practices, increase efficiency and improve safety across the sector.
The Honourable Minister gave an overview of the event and indicated that it comprises of two (2) main components; a forum and an exhibition. The forum provides an opportunity for multilateral engagement as it facilitates the creation of relationships and allows for interaction between representatives from CARICOM, and the Public and Private sectors. He further added that the vision for the Agri-Investment Forum is to build a more technologically advanced agriculture system to increase the availability of food, domestically and regionally. This would also have a positive impact by reducing the country’s food import bill in the future.
Additionally, the exhibition element of the event will allow stakeholders to showcase their unique products and technological advancements within the agriculture sector. Whilst acknowledging that “the agriculture of today is not what it used to be as in the past”, Minister Hosein was convinced of the tremendous benefits and opportunities to be derived through the use of innovative and environmentally-friendly technologies within the sector.
Minister Hosein saw the necessity of developing sustainable industries in Trinidad and Tobago and emphasized that the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II appeal to the younger generation’s interests in agriculture. This initiative presents an opportunity for regional development as it promotes unity among CARICOM countries. Minister Hosein stated, “We are hoping to foster stronger and closer trade relationships with our neighbours in order to strengthen ties among CARICOM countries.”
For additional information on the TT Agri-Investment Forum and Expo II, feel free to visit our website at agriexpo.gov.tt or follow us out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at AgriExpoTT.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries looks forward to your support and participation to ensure a successful event.
Minister Haji Kazim Hosein extends Eid-Ul-Adha Greetings
July 9th, 2022, Chaguanas – Assalamu Alaikum (peace be unto you). On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, I extend Eid Mubarak greetings to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters both at home and abroad. May Almighty Allah (swt) accept our sacrifices and bless us with His mercy.
Every year on Eid–Ul–Adha, the greater of both Eids, Muslims across the world gather to mark the end of the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, and to give honour to the spirit of sacrifice. Eid–Ul–Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) unyielding commitment to his faith, through his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, Almighty Allah (swt) recognized his act of devotion and intervened, providing a lamb as an offering to take Ishmael’s place.
Muslims across the world celebrate the Adha, Arabic for “sacrifice,” by the slaughtering of an animal and dividing the meat into thirds – one for ourselves, another portion for family and a third portion for those in need. This act represents the key lessons of Eid–Ul–Adha– sacrifice, equality and charity. It is a symbol of the Prophet’s unwavering faith and devotion as demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son, and a lesson that in giving selflessly, we are blessed by the Almighty.
Eid–Ul–Adha, Islam’s most revered observance, marks the climax of Hajj, the sacred journey to Mecca carried out by billions of Muslims each year. According to the Holy Qur’an 3:97 “In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House (Holy Kabbah) – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” Many of our fellow Muslims embarked on this beautiful journey on fulfilment of this pillar of Islam. Their journey of sacrifice and selflessness reminds us of the importance of obedience to the Almighty and one’s parents. It teaches us that sacrifice is a key aspect of spiritual development and in performing this act, we grow closer to the Almighty.
As a devout Muslim, the experience of Hajj is indeed a spiritual pinnacle in the life of every Muslim. It allows you to recognize the simplicity of devotion to Allah (swt) and inculcates into one the true meaning of sacrifice. In completing Hajj, one returns with a renewed faith and shares his journey as a testament of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. As leaders and mentors, we have a duty to the younger generations to teach them the importance of hard work, humility, obedience, sacrifice and devotion. We must instill in them principles of kindness, charity and selflessness because they are the future of our beloved nation and we have to lead them on the right path; a path that puts Almighty God at the center of everything.
As we join with our families and friends, to celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray that Almighty Allah (swt) accept our prayers and sacrifices and bless us with His mercy, now and always. May He elevate our faith so that we become closer to Him. Ameen.
Once again, I wish to extend Eid-Ul–Adha greetings to the entire Muslim community both at home and across the world. Eid Mubarak!
