Today, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, delivered the feature address at the launch of “Partners in Prosperity: A U.S.–Caribbean Alumni Agriculture Alliance”, hosted at the United States Embassy Port of Spain and implemented by the Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity group, underscoring the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ commitment to a more modern, resilient, and intelligence-driven agricultural sector.

In his address, Minister Ratiram emphasized that the initiative marks a transition from fragmented and reactive agricultural systems to a more proactive, data-driven, and digitally integrated model. He noted that the sector is currently confronting complex challenges, including climate variability, pest and disease pressures, and inefficiencies in production systems, but that innovation and strategic partnerships present clear opportunities for transformation.

The Minister underscored the importance of the partnership with the United States, acknowledging the continued engagement of the U.S. Embassy in advancing collaborative programmes that deliver tangible development outcomes. He noted that the project, supported through U.S. exchange and funding mechanisms, reflects a successful transition from international knowledge exchange to locally driven implementation.

Central to the initiative is the introduction of a citizen science model, which empowers farmers, youth, and agricultural stakeholders to collect and transmit real-time field data. Minister Ratiram highlighted that this approach addresses a longstanding structural gap within the sector, noting that “too often, valuable field-level intelligence remains localized and disconnected from national systems of decision-making.”

Implemented by the Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity (CSAP) group, the pilot will focus on cocoa production, soil health, and pest and disease monitoring. Minister Ratiram described this targeted approach as both strategic and necessary, given cocoa’s export potential and its importance to the country’s agricultural legacy.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s support, Minister Ratiram stated that while the initiative is being implemented as a pilot, its long-term value lies in its scalability and potential for regional replication. He stressed that sustained collaboration among farmers, institutions, and policymakers will be essential to realizing its full impact.

The launch of “Partners in Prosperity” signals a forward-looking approach to agricultural development, grounded in strong international partnerships, stakeholder participation, and the strategic use of data and technology to drive sustainable growth and sector transformation.

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, commended The Pet Village Ltd. on the opening of its second location on Saturday 28^th March, 2026, at Icon Plaza, Aranguez, describing the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister highlighted the significance of the launch of “The Pet Village Experience” as a modern and integrated approach to pet care, combining retail services, veterinary support through the Blue Cross Vet Clinic, and innovative offerings such as the Hearts and Paws Pet Bakery and a dedicated Cat Hotel.

During his remarks at the grand opening, Minister Ratiram stated “Pets are not just animals, they are family. In many ways, pets are people too, and initiatives like this reflect the care, compassion and responsibility that we must continue to promote across our society”.

Minister Ratiram also praised the company’s commitment to community engagement through its Hearts and Paws initiative, which included donations to the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), Tardieu’s Kitten and Puppy Sanctuary, and St. Mary’s Children’s Home.

He emphasised that partnerships between the private sector and community organisations are essential to advancing animal welfare, promoting responsible pet ownership, and building more compassionate communities.

Minister Ratiram reaffirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance animal care, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to national development.

 

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries today launched its Pilot Programme for Soyabean, Corn, and Blackeye Beans Production, marked by a ceremonial planting exercise at the Southern Main Road, Caroni.

The initiative represents a strategic intervention to strengthen domestic agricultural production, reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill, and advance national food and nutrition security. It also signals a deliberate shift toward a more coordinated, production-driven agricultural economy.

The pilot programme targets the cultivation of soyabean, corn, and blackeye beans, priority crops identified for their strong potential in import substitution, agro-processing, and integration into national feeding programmes. The phased pilot-to-scale approach begins with small-scale trials before expanding nationally, ensuring data-driven decision-making, optimized production systems, and reduced investment risk.

In addressing the ceremony, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, emphasised the importance of transitioning from import dependence to local production, stating, “This initiative is about reclaiming control of our food system, moving from dependency to self-determination, from vulnerability to resilience, and from consumption-driven policy to production-led development.”

Minister Ratiram further noted that the pilot programme forms part of a broader, structured approach to transforming the agricultural sector through targeted and scalable interventions. The initiative also supports feed security for poultry, swine, and dairy production, expands domestic protein supply through blackeye beans, creates economic opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers, and promotes climate-smart and sustainable farming practices, including soil improvement through nitrogen fixation and flexible crop rotation systems.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with key regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. These partnerships ensure a technically sound, research-driven, and sustainable approach to execution.

Also in attendance at the launch were Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, MP, Minister of Education; Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism; the Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheren, MP, Minister in the Ministry of Health; Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, MP, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism; and Ms. Diana Francis, Representative of the IICA Delegation in Trinidad and Tobago, signalling strong collaboration among national, regional, and international stakeholders.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural development through strategic, data-driven initiatives that strengthen food security, reduce import dependence, and support long-term economic resilience.

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March 19, 2026:- The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries advises the public that the Anti-Rabies Unit (ARU) has resumed night trapping exercises in the South-East and South-West quadrants of Trinidad as part of the national Vampire Bat Population Control Programme. The exercises commenced on March 9, 2026, and will continue throughout Trinidad on an ongoing basis.

The operations will be conducted primarily during the night hours, when vampire bats are most active. These activities form part of the Ministry’s ongoing surveillance and control efforts to reduce the risk of rabies transmission and protect the country’s livestock population.

Rabies is a serious viral and zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including livestock, wildlife, and humans. In Trinidad, rabies is maintained primarily in the vampire bat population, which can transmit the virus to livestock through bites.

The Ministry encourages the cooperation of residents and farmers to ensure that ARU officers can effectively carry out their rabies vector control activities.

Any abnormal clinical signs or sudden deaths in livestock or evidence of bat attacks should be reported immediately to the Anti-Rabies Unit at 693-1682 or to the nearest County Veterinary Office.

The Ministry notes that the last bat trapping exercise was conducted in 2023, and the current exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure early detection, monitoring, and management of potential risks to the nation’s livestock sector. Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries commends the Animal Production and Health Division of the Ministry for the resumption of this critical initiative.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to safeguarding the public and animal health and supporting farmers through continued surveillance, prevention, and response initiatives.

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, commends the HonourableKamla Persad Bissessar S.C. M.P. Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for her decisive leadership and diplomatic engagement at the Shield of the Americas Summit held on March 7, 2026 in Doral, Florida. The Minister underscores the Summit’s significance as a catalyst for deepening agricultural cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States and reiterates the Government’s commitment to expanding foodsecuritydriven trade ties.

“Prime Minister Persad Bissessar’s vision and proactive diplomacy are restoring Trinidad and Tobago as a respected voice on the global stage while creating tangible opportunities for economic growth at home,” said Minister Ratiram. “The Shield of the Americas Summit showcases the strength of our partnership with the United States – the strongest it has been since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.”

Building on recent bilateral dialogues Minister Ratiramhighlights two key engagements that lay a solid foundation for continued bilateral relations with the United States in the agricultural sector:

Minister Ratiram also identified the following strategic opportunities for the sector with several highimpact prospects emerging from the bilateral dialogue:

The Prime Minister’s leadership at the Shield of the Americas Summit reinforces the commitment to our nation to building strong international alliances that support innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

Minister Ratiram reaffirms that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains dedicated to fostering international cooperation that strengthens Trinidad and Tobago’s food security, enhances agricultural productivity, and creates new economic opportunities for the nation.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries advises the public that the 2025-2026 Hunting Season will officially close on Sunday March 1, 2026. This closure is part of ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s wildlife, maintain ecological balance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.

All hunters and members of the public are reminded that strict adherence to the following regulations governing the closed season is required.

End of Hunting Period: 

All hunting activity on public and private lands must cease by Saturday February 28, 2026.

Deadline for Game Disposal: 

By Tuesday March 31, 2026, all game animal carcasses or parts must be removed from properties and personal possession.

Mandatory Data Returns: 

Holders of 2025-2026 Hunting Permits must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms by Sunday May 31, 2026.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: 

Failure to submit the Mandatory Data Return Form by Sunday May 31, 2026, will result in a fine of TT$2,500 per form.

Hunting during the closed season is illegal and punishable by a fine of TT$100,000, as per Legal Notice 275 of 2020.

Hunters must submit their Mandatory Data Return Forms at any of the following locations:

• District Revenue Office, Tunapuna – (868) 662-2797
• Forestry Office, Rio Claro – (868) 225-3743
• District Revenue Office, Chaguanas – (868) 671-4773
• Forestry Division, Long Circular Road, St. James – (868) 225-3861
• Forestry Division, Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville, San Fernando – (868) 225-3777 / 3774 / 3772
• Forestry Division, Sangre Grande – (868) 225-3728
• Department of Natural Resources & Forestry, Milshirv Administrative Complex, Tobago – (868) 639-2273

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries urges all citizens to adhere to these regulations to support the conservation of wildlife and protect the delicate ecological balance of Trinidad and Tobago. Compliance is essential to ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from our country’s rich biodiversity.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s rice‑farming community during a high‑level meeting with growers from the Central Region at the Ministry’s Head Office today, February 27, 2026.

Farmers voiced concern after being informed by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Flour Mills (NFM) that incentive payments would cease. The Minister acted immediately, engaging directly with Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Dr. Colin Neil Gosine M.P., Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism and the Chairman of the NFM. Following constructive dialogue, the subsidy was reinstated and will continue to be honoured.

The availability of water was also highlighted as an issue. The Minister committed to convene a meeting with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to assess and upgrade irrigation infrastructure, guaranteeing reliable water delivery throughout the growing season.

Minister Ratiram lauded the resilience and expertise of the attending farmers. He affirmed that the Ministry will continue to consult directly with farmers to identify challenges and co‑create solutions.

 

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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries formally presented Letters of Appointment to the newly appointed members of the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Board today at the Ministry’s Head Office. The appointments signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding animal health, public safety, and the integrity of the veterinary profession across the nation.

The Board Members include:

• Dr. Lisa Musai – Chairman
• Dr. Anil Ramnanan – Member
• Dr. Kriyaan Singh – Member

The Veterinary Surgeons Registration Board plays a critical role in upholding professional standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting excellence within the veterinary profession. The Board is responsible for overseeing the registration and conduct of veterinary practitioners, safeguarding animal health, and supporting the agricultural sector.

Minister Ratiram extended his congratulations to the newly appointed members and expressed confidence in their ability to effectively execute their mandate.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to supporting strong regulatory frameworks that promote animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable agricultural growth.

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