Agricultural State Lands to be developed into Homestead Plots in Talparo

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.