Twenty-five (25) Homestead Plots each comprising two (2)-acre fully serviced agricultural parcels, are to be developed on approximately 22 hectares of State land in the Talparo area for allocation under the Government’s revised Homestead Policy. This is a testament to the Government’s tenacity in getting more young persons involved in agriculture as the revised Homestead Policy will treat adequately with those who have difficulty in acquiring land both for the construction of a home and for the undertaking of a sustainable agricultural enterprise. The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat on Tuesday 9th November, 2021, following the signing of a Framework Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) and the Rural Development Company Limited (RDC), for the Provision of Procurement and Project Management Services in respect to the aforementioned development.

Present at today’ signing at MALF’s Head Office in Chaguanas were the Minister of Youth Development and National Service and Member of Parliament for La Horquetta / Talparo, the Honourable Foster Cummings; Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein and Chairman of the RDC, Ms. Patricia Alexis.

Minister Rambharat indicated that the current land development project, approximately twenty-two (22) hectares, has been earmarked for the first phase of the homestead project out of the two hundred and eighty (280) acres of State land located west of Chambers Trace, Talparo Main Road, Talparo. He added, that while the area comprised of “very rich agricultural land”, the site’s development had “to be completed in phases” because of the amount of engineering work required, as a result of the massive expanse and undulating terrain of the land.

In his remarks at the conclusion of the signing, Minister Cummings said that today’s activity had signaled a great deal of excitement amongst young farmers within his constituency whom he indicated was very eager to see the Homestead Programme come to realisation. The Minister added, while the first phase in the land development works will no doubt generate much needed employment for La Horquetta / Talparo residents, he looked forward to having these lands available to those who have met the criteria established under the Government’s revised Homestead Allocation Policy and in particular, those young nationals who have demonstrated a genuine interest in farming.

Signing the Framework Agreement on behalf of MALF was the Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Susan Shurland while the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Jason Kissoon represented the RDC. The witnesses were: Senior Legal Officer (MALF), Ms. Laurelle Ralph, and Legal Counsel/ Corporate Secretary (RDC), Mr. Arshad Mohammed.

 

 

 

Deadline Extended for Agriculture Ministry’s Public Private Partnerships – Expression of Interests (EOIs)  

Strategic partners desirous of entering Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), have until Friday 12^th November, 2021 at 2.00pm to submit their applications with respect to the advertised Expression of Interests (EOIs) for both La Gloria in New Grant and the National Seed Bank (NSB) in Chaguaramas respectively.

 

About the EOIs: The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) through the MALF, has decided to undertake the PPPs in order to support: the transformation and development of State land at La Gloria in New Grant and the ongoing transformation and modernisation of the National Seed Bank in Chaguaramas.

In relation to the State land at La Gloria (see https://bit.ly/3FzB8YP), the GORTT has issued an invitation to potential investors, including new and existing farmers with significant experience and technical/financial capacity  for the lease of the entire or appropriate sections of the seven hundred and ninety (790) acres, for all or any of the following activities: livestock, mixed use or any other commercial use related to agriculture, particularly pineapple and tree crops. To this end, interested persons/entities are asked to provide a proposal for the lease of the entire acreage or portions of the acreage with a minimum of one hundred (100) acres.

With respect to the National Seed Bank (NSB) (see https://bit.ly/3BsAr1h), the GORTT has issued an invitation to potential investors with significant experience and technical capacity for the development and operation of a modern nursery and plant propagation facility using an appropriate portion of the existing land and infrastructure at the NSB. It should be noted that this public private partnership arrangement will in no way impact the current operations at the NSB, but is primarily intended to widen the product offerings in that geographic region and provide training opportunities for young persons selected by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS).

The original deadline for submission of applications was Friday 29^th October, 2021.

For further information on these Public Private Partnerships (PPP) please visit the MALF website at agriculture.gov.tt

End

 

Minister Rambharat: The celebration of Divali has grown in national appeal

The celebration of Divali amonst non-Hindus has grown in national appeal particularly because of our cultural and culinary appetite for curry, roti and sweets. Such was the opinion of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, as he addressed staff at a Deya Lighting Ceremony which took place at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas on Tuesday 2nd November, 2021. The ceremony, which is the third of its kind to take place since the Ministry’s occupation of the premises back in 2017, was held in commemoration of Divali 2021 and involved the disbursement of boxed delicacies and refreshments (water) to some twenty (20) staff attendees.

Minister Rambharat, in thanking staff for enduring the challenges associated with planning and executing such an event amidst a pandemic, said that religious observances such as these presented a “wonderful opportunity” for colleagues and the wider public, to gather around food and activities that did not involve the consumption of meat and alcohol in particular.   

The ceremony commenced from around 5:30 p.m. with an opening prayer by the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh, who sought from the “Divine Source of life” to be lead from ignorance to truth; from darkness to light and; from death to immortality. Also performing a cultural item was the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ramdai Sookdeo, who sang a religious song, in Hindi.

Preceding the entertainment and official deya lighting session was the delivery of greetings from the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Susan Shurland, who identified with the exercise as one of the more significant cultural observances to be recognised by the Ministry in recent years. In so doing, she lauded in particular, the efforts of the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Sookdeo) and her staff, for having coordinated the activity superbly, despite the season’s inclement weather. “I think the camaraderie as demonstrated in the support and involvement of staff in today’s activity is worthy of commendation and I am heartened to witness such enthusiasm and increased participation this year,” she added.

Agriculture Ministry hosts Divali ‘Best Dressed’ Competition 2021

Despite the seeming darkness which looms amidst the global pandemic, there was undeniably, a beaming light of excitement and competitive enthusiasm as Head Office staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), participated in a Best Dressed Competition as part of MALF’s commemoration of Divali 2021.

The competition – which took place on Tuesday 2nd November, 2021 – attracted a total of twenty-seven (27) staffers all of whom vied for both bragging rights in addition to a wide range of prizes which included: authentic Indian jewellery, wireless cellular chargers and accessories, cooler bags, laptop bags, water bottles, mugs, chocolate, food hampers, items of stationery, caps, keychains, gardening tools and musical compact discs. These were sponsored by Flow Trinidad, the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS), Trinidad and Tobago Fine Chocolate Limited, Karibbean Flavours (RHS Marketing) and of course, the MALF.

Topping all others with forty-seven (47) out of a total of fifty (50) points and clenching the first place position in the female category was none other than Ms. Cheriann Ramroop of the Human Resource Management Division. Trailing Ms. Ramroop in second and third positions were Ms. Priya Dharam (Accounts Division) with forty-two (42) points and Ms. Raveena Ramsaroop (Property Management Division) with forty-one (41) points.

Out-performing all contenders in the male category was Mr. Vishesh Sookdeo of the Accounts Division with a total of thirty-eight (38) points. He was followed closely by Mr. Seecharan Arjoon (Central Administration Unit) and Mr. Nicholas Tinto (Agricultural Planning Division) who placed second and third with thirty-five (35) points and thirty-two (32) points respectively.

Adjudicating the participants’ originality/creativity, confidence, appropriateness of outfit, attention to detail/accessories, grooming and deportment were the Personal Secretary to the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Kezzia Sahadeo and the Minister’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Sanjeev Boodram. They, in their collective wisdom, decided to award seven (7) additional competitors with hampers and other consolation prizes in honour of their noble efforts. These recipients were: Kristin Dixon, Sarah Ali, Adrianna Harrynanan, Kavita Sahadeo, Meera Ramjass, Savi Dial and Daniesha Katwaroo.

Assisting in the distribution of prizes were MALF’s Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Susan Shurland and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Ramdai Sookdeo.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to thank and congratulate all participants, sponsors, judges and those members of staff who, through their individual efforts, sponsorship and/or facilitation, would have contributed to making this event, a tremendous success.

Forestry Division receives UAVs / Drones

In 2017/2018 the Global Environment Facility (GEF) approved funding for the medium sized project, “Capacity Development for Improved Management of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) for Global Environmental Benefits”, which was administered and executed by the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) of the Ministry of Planning and Development in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Several of the MEAs to which Trinidad and Tobago is signatory are centred on biodiversity conservation such as the Ramsar Convention, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Protocol (SPAW) and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) among others.  In this context, the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries is one of the primary agencies for the implementation of most of the biodiversity oriented MEAs to which Trinidad and Tobago is obligated. As a consequence, the National Sustainable Land Management Coordinating Committee – a Cabinet appointed body chaired by the EPPD – consulted with the Forestry Division about enhancing its field capabilities for surveying and monitoring of Forest Reserves and other Protected Areas.

Subsequently, under the Project it was agreed to procure a pair of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones) as well as facilitate training for ten (10) officers in the operation of the UAVs to facilitate the Division in its activities.  With the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Division has faced a number of constraints in terms of personnel and other resources and so equipping the Forestry Division with UAVs was seen as a cost effective option to help overcome these challenges, whilst simultaneously enabling Trinidad and Tobago to meet its obligations under the various MEAs with greater efficiency and efficacy.

The official handover of the UAVs took place at the EPPD’s Offices on October 18th, 2021 with the Project Manager, Dr. Cindy Chandool delivering the equipment to the Deputy Conservator of Forests of the Forestry Division, Mr. Ameer Roopnarinesingh.

Management of the Moruga Grasshoppers/Locusts

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) continues to be very vigilant in its ongoing efforts to control the Moruga Grasshoppers (MG)/Moruga Locusts. The MALF recognizes the distress of affected residents and regularly advises farmers on control methods to minimize damage to crops on their holdings. Traditionally, the Moruga Grasshopper has a one (1) year life cycle and the Ministry has customarily engaged in management activities at each stage of its cycle. Over the years, the MALF has adopted a participatory approach as part of its control strategy, by engaging key stakeholders in the surveillance aspect of the pest control programme.

Stakeholders are instrumental in working with the MALF as they are required to track the flight path of the locusts and locate their eggs.  The Ministry will then effect chemical controls on the immature grasshoppers when they emerge from the eggs. This aspect of the control strategy is currently being implemented. Targeted spraying of immature MG is also done along the perimeter of the infested forests.  Aerial spraying is NOT conducted when adult locusts are in flight because of the possible negative effects on human health, wild life, beneficial insects, the environment (water courses and aquatic life) and possible contamination of sundried cocoa. It should be noted that locust swarms are a global phenomenon. While there are multiple species of locusts identified, countries have not been able to successfully eradicate these pests.

Trinidad and Tobago have experienced more frequent and severe infestations in recent times. Historically, outbreaks of the MG were initially reported every 14 years, but its occurrence is now annually, with locusts having the ability to change their behaviour and migrate over long distances. This change may be attributed to climate change and other factors inclusive of changes in temperature as well as, torrential rain both of which provide the ideal environment for breeding.

The Ministry is cognizant of the current threat posed by the Moruga Grasshoppers (MG) at this stage of their life cycle and our Officers will continue to provide the necessary support to the national community in a collective and meaningful way.

END

Agriculture Minister: State Land Leases for Bonafide Wallerfield Farmers

The Government remains resolute in ensuring that the “real farmers” acquire long-term State leases for agricultural parcels that are not currently in productive use. Such was the revelation of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat on Tuesday 26^th October, 2021, as he spoke to recipients at a Lease Letter Distribution Ceremony which took place at his Ministry’s Chaguanas Head Office.

In his address, he identified particularly with those State agricultural parcels in the Wallerfield area which he said, were being cultivated by farmers and despite their productive operations they were unable to make long-term investments in respect to the land because they are not a legal party to the land tenancy arrangement contracted with the State. This he said was untenable, as other persons who own the land were reaping the rewards of their hard work. Minister Rambharat added, that the Ministry will be taking decisive action in the Wallerfield area so as to ensure that these bonafide farmers have land that they can acquire a long-term lease for.

On the issue of agricultural State lands, Minister Rambharat noted that there have been an increasing number of requests for the sub-division of these parcels, a measure which he was reluctant to comply with, except for “extreme circumstances”. The Minister was adamant in the preservation of a longstanding principle that State land for agricultural purposes, not be subdivided. He further explained: “Agricultural plots were designed for the family to be able to work it and derive a certain level of income from it so when you start breaking it down to one (1)-acre parcels, everybody will want to build a house on them and then only a little piece will remain for a kitchen garden and these agricultural plots were not designed for kitchen gardens.”

The Minister also indicated that the Ministry was “on high alert” when it came to State land fraud and other illegalities. To this end he said that in the past few days, he has had to treat with two (2) respective matters which he revealed shall be reported to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, for further investigation.

At today’s event, twelve (12) persons received lease letters in respect to agricultural parcels. The letters convey Cabinet’s approval to grant a Standard Agricultural Lease for an initial period of thirty (30) years and affords them the privilege of accessing financial institutions and State entities in respect to the conduct of legitimate business transactions on their respective parcels.

 

Agriculture Minister: State support necessary in attracting youth into agriculture

As a major purchaser of food, the State must be willing to provide support to our local farmers through the provision of sustainable market opportunities if the agricultural sector is to grow and attract the interests of our young farmers. Such was the message of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat as he delivered remarks at a Meeting of the Members of the Advisory Committee for Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres and Non-Residential Youth Development Centres, held at his Ministry’s Chaguanas Head Office on Monday 25th October, 2021.

In his delivery the Minister identified several initiatives currently being undertaken by the State, which he noted was directly linked to encouraging the agricultural involvement of young people, whom he said had been disadvantaged in accessing many opportunities through the various incentives.

According to the Minister, while there are a number of youths involved in agriculture by virtue of them being active members of existing farming families, there are significant challenges in converting young persons with formal training and no history of agriculture, into the sector. Such a feat, he added, could only be achieved through the provision of technical support and training, specialised sector funding (namely the Youth ‘Fast Track’ Agricultural Finance Support Programme), as well as opportunities for the optimisation of strategic collaborations amongst the State’s major food consumers, namely the Regional Health Authorities, as well as the Ministry of Education’s School Feeding Programme. There is a need for agriculture to be perceived as being essential to the well-being of the country as opposed to being a manually intensive, high risk and low reward activity, Minister Rambharat said.

In his advice to the Members of the Advisory Committee for Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres and Non-Residential Youth Development Centres, Minister Rambharat advocated for the inclusion of existing State resources in their final report, as this will make their recommendations cost effective and more practically conceivable.

Today’s meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service MYDNS) and included the Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Honourable Foster Cummings and the Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly.

Also in attendance were the: Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Susan Shurland; Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Mr. Farook Hosein and; Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Youth Development and Apprenticeship Centres and Non-Residential Youth Development Centres, Mr. Anthony Garcia.