Cedros cocoa producer, Mr. Ramraj Ramdial, shows off his recently purchased ICS 95 cocoa accessions.

 

ICS 95 cocoa accessions available for sale.

RAS in ongoing Locust Management Regimen in St. Patrick West County

March 24, 2021:- The Locust Management regimen in the St. Patrick West County is currently ongoing with several exercises being conducted by the Regional Administration South (RAS) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, at different locations in recent times.

Previously, the area was affected by both the Cedros and Moruga Locusts, however for 2021, only Moruga Locust activity has been observed. The major areas affected by a heavy to medium emergence of hoppers include: Granville Road, Bowen Trace, Chatham and environs. Over the last ten (10) years, there has been a high level of locust activity at the sites aforementioned due to heavy deforestation and other human activity which have led to pest incursions in both agricultural and more recently, residential communities in the area.

Locust management includes a combination of three (3) main activities:

1. Education and sensitisation of residents, farmers and forest users about the locust and on the importance of reporting any sighting or activity of locust to the Ministry;
2. Surveillance by the Ministry’s Locust Management Team and;
3. Spraying activity if and when necessary (chemical controlled approach).

Education and sensitisation of citizens is a year round exercise undertaken by the Extension Officers attached to the St. Patrick West County, using various methods including social media, community meetings, demonstrations / workshops and advisory visits.

Surveillance for locust activity takes place throughout the year and involves the following:

• Surveillance / Mapping of Oviposition sites (egg beds);
• Surveillance of emergent / hoppers and;
• Surveillance / Mapping of flight paths of adult swarms.

Surveillance was conducted in Santa Flora, Palo Seco, Erin, Sand Pit Road, Fyzabad and Coromandel. These are areas where prior activity had been observed in years gone by, however, no such activity has been observed thus far.

In excess of one hundred and forty four (144) hectares have been surveyed for 2021 to date. This figure is cumulative and includes repeated surveillance activities.

Spraying activities are conducted using both mist blowers as well the cannon sprayer using either Propoxur or Ethrine Plus (active ingredients). Only forested areas or areas close to farmers’ holdings are sprayed. Households are not sprayed as the locusts generally move within a day or two and there is no direct threat to humans from the locusts themselves. Spraying of households can trigger major concerns for the overall health of animals and livestock. Additionally, it also creates deleterious effects of potable water in rural areas.

Forested areas are sprayed with the Propoxur mainly using the Cannon sprayer and areas close to farmers’ holdings that are threatened by possible locust infestations are sprayed with the Ethrine Plus. Thus far, in excess of sixty six (66) hectares have been treated and this figure also includes repeated treatments in infested areas. As a result of the surveillance and spraying activities, the Agriculture Ministry has been able to keep crop damage by the Moruga Locusts, to almost negligible.

To date, only juvenile Moruga Locusts have been sighted with a mix of nymphal stages presently ranging from first instar to third instar. From the Ministry’s observations of their development, the Moruga Locusts are expected to take flight in swarms from mid to late April as they traditionally do.

Staff of the Regional Administration South (RAS) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, target hoppers with a cannon sprayer at Granville Old Road in Cedros, earlier this week, during one of its ongoing locust management exercises in the area. The Granville Old Road area – as well as Bowen Trace, Chatham and environs – was identified by RAS to be one of the major areas affected by a heavy to medium emergence of locust hoppers. Spraying is done in a targeted manner and follows a careful and systematic process of locust reconnaissance (i.e. observing locust activity overtime) to ensure that harmful chemical agents are not released into the environment unnecessarily.

Relief for land recipient after a sixty one (61)-year wait

March 24, 2021:- Gobin Kantasingh expressed tremendous gratitude and a sense of relief this morning as he received his lease letter from the Agriculture Minister, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat at an event which took on Tuesday 23^rd March, 2021, at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

Mr. Kantasingh said that in 1959, he submitted his application for an agricultural parcel and over the years, it became frustrating, as “nothing seemed to be happening” but he never gave up hope. Today he said, is a great day and thanked God for life which enabled him to see the journey to the end. He also thanked the Honourable Minister and the Ministry for their efforts and added that he “really thought the Ministry had forgotten” about his file.

In his remarks, Minister Rambharat said that Mr. Kantasingh’s example is one of the many backdated files which the Ministry has been actively processing over the years and was elated that the process came to a conclusion despite the many internal setbacks. He added that some of these land files are very old and each of the documents within them are very important in the overall exercise. In this regard, there have been several challenges in its execution but the Ministry is on a path to treat with these issues.

The Minister also cited, that the Agriculture Ministry’s ongoing exercise with respect to the digitization of the land files is progressing at a satisfactory rate. The target of files to be digitized is about 19, 919 and up to this point, there have been over 10,000 files completed. The system when fully operationalized will allow for greater security and accessibility to authorized persons, he said.

The Minister further stated that he is currently working on a residential exercise which involves about 2,500 families – 1,000 at Dundonald Hill in Long Circular, 1,300 at Badase Land in Chaguanas, 230 at Mission Lands in Arima and approximately 80 in an area known as the Old Brick Factory in Rio Claro. He said that it was equally important that this initiative was mentioned because the Ministry has been doing a lot for both farmers and residential lessees and is something which needed to be highlighted.

At yesterday’s lease letter distribution event, eleven (11) persons received their letters from the Agriculture Ministry. This will now enable them to engage public agencies and institutions to conduct business in respect of their agricultural and residential parcels, respectively.

Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (centre), is flanked by agricultural and residential lease letter recipients at a Distribution Ceremony which took place on Tuesday 23rd March, 2021, at the Agriculture Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

Mr. Gobin Kantasingh (left) receives his residential lease letter from Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (right), at a Lease Letter Distribution Ceremony which took place on Tuesday 23rd March, 2021, at the Agriculture Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.

Trainees prepare Plant for Wet Fish Processing.

Dignitaries pose for a photo behind a commemorative plaque at the Wildflower Park in St. Clair, Port of Spain, following the launch of the Commonwealth Garden on Friday 12th March, 2021.

Launch of the Commonwealth Garden at Wildflower Park

At an event to commemorate the Launch of the Commonwealth Garden at the Wildflower Park in St. Clair earlier today (Friday 12th March, 2021), Agriculture Minister, Senator the Honorable Clarence Rambharat described the area in the city as one which was quiet, beautiful and coveted. He said public spaces such as these, provided the perfect environment for persons to socialise in various activities amidst the backdrop of the many restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic in the country.

The Minister’s remarks came on the heels of Commonwealth Day (observed on March 8th) as he underscored the importance for future generations to be reminded of “the need for a Commonwealth of Nations,” which Trinidad and Tobago became a member state upon its independence in 1962. He further thanked all those who contributed significantly to the garden project – including the staff of the Horticultural Services Division (HSD) within Agriculture Ministry – and urged Commonwealth members anchored in the capital city, to expand and further amplify this beautification initiative.

Also speaking at the event was Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, who deemed the initiative as one “worthy of glowing commendation”. He congratulated both the Agriculture Ministry and the British High Commission for their role in the project, which he said bought renewed attention to the importance of preserving our natural environment in order to achieve sustainable development.

In her address, British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms. Harriet Cross, noted that the garden’s location was particularly significant not simply because it was situated between several Commonwealth Missions and the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, but primarily because wildflowers protected the soil, supported the ecosystem and reduced its (the garden) vulnerabilities to climate change. She added that today’s event was “just the beginning” and looked forward to the corporate intervention and sponsorship of the private sector in contributing to the development of the garden’s plant material and infrastructure.

Also in attendance were the Mayor of Port of Spain, His Worship Joel Martinez; Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Ms. Susan Shurland; Director, Horticultural Services Division (MALF), Ms. Gloria Brathwaite-Didier and distinguished members of the diplomatic corps.

A view of the Commonwealth Garden at the Wildflower Park in St. Clair, Port of Spain following its launch on Friday 12th March, 2021.

Agriculture Minister: Government committed to creating enabling environment for the Private Sector

February 26, 2021:- In his address at the second edition of the National Cocoa Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony which took place at the Chaguanas Head Office of the Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (CDCTTL) earlier today, Agriculture Minister, Clarence Rambharat admitted that while financial constraints continued to pose a challenge for State agencies like the CDCTTL in light of competing public sector interests, he was “not worried” about the issue of funding for the company and said he was prepared to make the most of his Ministry’s current allocation and stimulus. The Minister added, that it is very important in the development and commercialization of agriculture that the private sector be given the opportunity and that Government creates the enabling environment.

The overall winner of the prestigious Professor John Spence Challenge Trophy, was the Mother and Son team – Stephanie and Javed Omardeen of Brasso Seco. They emerged victorious from a field of thirty-six (36) entrants and also received $5,000.00 in addition to, tools and equipment from Caribbean Chemicals and Carlsen Chemicals. In accepting the award, Stephanie Omardeen expressed disbelief at being awarded the top prize, saying, “I wasn’t sure if we should submit a sample or not”. She went on to thank all those who encouraged her to enter the competition for the first time.

Capturing the second and third place prizes of the National Cocoa Awards this year were Mr. Winthrop Harewood (Tableland), and Ms. Annette Mills (Aripo), respectively. Also receiving awards were Mr. Charles Merry of La Deseada Estate, Winner for the Large Farm category.

For this year’s event the CDCTTL introduced a new award which was for Microlot Composite Sample to allow groups of farmers from a community to submit one (1) sample that would represent the flavour of that area. This was won by the Farmers of Four Roads Tamana Cluster (Tamana).

The samples from all five (5) winners (aforementioned) will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2021 Edition of the global Cocoa of Excellence Programme to compete for International Cocoa Awards.

Also speaking at the event was the CDCTTL Chairman, Ms. Jacqueline Rawlins, who lamented on the unavailability of planting material which she said had adversely impacted current production levels within the cocoa sector. In addition to that she identified with the sustainability risks of aging cocoa estates and the sector’s deficiencies in the diversification of labour.

First launched in 2018, the National Cocoa Awards is aimed at celebrating the value of our Trinitario cocoa culture and diverse flavours, by attracting and rewarding a broad base of farmer participation. The competition serves as preparation of entrants for our country’s participation in the global Cocoa of Excellence Programme (CoEx) which recognises cocoa beans with exceptional and unique flavour attributes, and also serves as the entry point for cocoa producers to participate in the prestigious International Cocoa Awards. According to the Deputy Chairman of the CDCTTL and Chairman of the Cocoa Awards’ National Organising Committee, Mr. Kamaldeo Maharaj, Trinidad and Tobago – the birthplace of the Trinitario fine/flavour hybrid – has the distinct honour of winning more International Cocoa Awards, than any other country in the world.

The National Cocoa Awards is coordinated by the National Organizing Committee, whose members include representatives from the CDCTTL, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Cocoa Research Centre of the University of the West Indies (CRC, UWI) and the National Export Facilitation Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, (ExporTT).

Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat (centre) strikes a pose with this year’s winners of the National Cocoa Awards – Stephanie and Javed Omardeen of Brasso Seco, on Friday 26th February, 2021, following the National Cocoa Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony at the Chaguanas headquarters of the Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (CDCTTL). The mother-son team emerged victorious from a field of some 36 entrants in total.

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Locust Control Regimen in County Victoria

February 23, 2021:- County Victoria is currently spraying locusts in the Moruga, Rock Road, Barrackpore and Piparo areas. Spray activities are concentrated along the forest edges where the hoppers are emerging to prevent major crop loss.  Major Hopper sites in Piparo and La Savanne, Moruga are being constantly sprayed since mid-January 2021. Additionally, spraying of both hopper sites and hoppers emerging at the forest edges in the Cunjal Food Crop Project, Barrackpore and Cachipe began in February and is ongoing.

The Ministry’s overall objective of this intervention is to control the locust population at the hopper stage to reduce damage to crops.

Locust control is done throughout the year and follows the life cycle of the Moruga Locust. The interiors of private residences are not sprayed to prevent harm to persons and pets.

MALF Staff conducts locust management exercise in County Victoria.

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MALF supports the youth of Beetham Gardens in their agricultural project

Technical Officer (Agriculture) Horticulture of MALF’s Agricultural Services Division (ASD), Ms. Kay Parkinson (right), distributes a Black Sapote plant to the Youth Leader of the Beetham Gardens Agricultural Project, Mr. Theous Cudjoe (left), during a plant handover ceremony on Friday 19th February, 2021 at MALF’s St. Augustine Nurseries in Curepe.

February 22, 2021:- Young residents of the Beetham Gardens community, became the proud recipients of some fifty (50) plants and light gardening tools from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), aimed at supporting both the involvement of youth in agriculture and the overall success of the recently instituted, Beetham Gardens’ Agricultural Project (BGAP). The main objective of the BGAP is to expose the community’s youth to a regenerative type of agriculture – syntropic agro-forestry – whilst promoting the overall concepts of environmental awareness and self-empowerment.

The handover ceremony which took place at MALF’s St. Augustine Nurseries in Curepe on Friday 19th February, 2021, was hosted by the Technical Officer (Agriculture) of MALF’s Agricultural Services Division (ASD), Ms. Kay Parkinson and attended by the BGAP’s Youth Leader, Mr. Theous Cudjoe and Community Farmer, Ms. Charlene Woo Ling in addition to a few community participants and/or enthusiasts of the initiative. One such resident of Beetham Gardens, Ms. Kelly Lynch, whose children – Kerwin, Kyron and Keyanna Atkins – are actively involved in the BGAP, said that she was excited about the activity in the area as it offered a real prospect of a lasting legacy. “Someday in the future, my children will be able to see the fruits of the work they have put into this agricultural project and feel good that they were a part of this type of development in their community,” she added.

Mr. Cudjoe – who turns 21 later this year – said he was grateful to MALF and in particular, Ms. Woo Ling, whom he credited as having enabled his team to work towards creating a sustainable form of agriculture as well as the overall beautification of the Beetham Gardens area. He added too that given the fact that the project site was located close to his own home, he was able to attract the participation of his own peers and other like-minded individuals, willing to invest one (1) hour, Monday to Friday, in this very productive and promising vocation.

Ms. Woo Ling admitted too that while the residents’ interests in the Project have wavered from time to time, she was hopeful that they would soon come to appreciate the value of growing their own food economically and free from chemicals and the use of synthetic fertilizers – typical of conventional agricultural forms which many have grown accustomed to.

Friday’s handover of almond, black sapote, carambola, cashew, chataigne, fat pork, primrose and tamarind plants, formed only part of MALF’s overall commitment to donate a total of 270 plants to the BGAP, over the course of the next few months.

About Syntropic Agro-Forestry

Syntropic agro-forestry involves the growing of plant material in one area utilizing the stratification and time things grow, to replicate how nature’s abundant forests grow. It replicates the natural succession of nature and essentially accelerates the process to regenerate soil through biodiversity, without the use of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers.

To do this, the farmer grows some forms of vegetation, which do not produce any usable crops, but contribute positively to the land. These are called “biomass” plants and trees. The farmer also “tucks in” plants and trees that produce a valuable harvest. These are called “target” plants and trees. This combination of vegetation is grown together closely, in a way that is mutually beneficial. The farmer also has a deep understanding of how the vegetation responds positively to pruning and cuts it back at strategic times in order to promote rapid growth.

Depending on the quality of the soil and how the system is setup, this land can be regenerated within months and over time – with some management from the farmer – become partly autonomous and provide its own irrigation, fertiliser, crowd out undesirable plants and resist disease and insect attacks.

Technical Officer (Agriculture) Horticulture of MALF’s Agricultural Services Division (ASD), Ms. Kay Parkinson (third from right), strikes a pose with the members and participants of the Beetham Gardens Agricultural Project, following a plant handover ceremony on Friday 19th February, 2021 at MALF’s St. Augustine Nurseries in Curepe.

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