Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut Seedlings Distributed to Boost Coconut Production

Centeno, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), led by Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, continues to prioritise the revitalisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s coconut industry through targeted investments and strategic partnerships.

Earlier today (Monday 1^st December, 2025), the Ministry distributed Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut seedlings to over 200 farmers from communities across Trinidad and Tobago during a ceremony held at the Central Experiment Station, Caroni North Bank Road, Centeno. This initiative follows the successful germination of the seedlings, which were handed over to the Ministry’s Research Division by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in June 2025.

The distribution forms part of a European Union funded coconut development project implemented by CARDI and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with Ministries of Agriculture across participating Member States, including the MAF in Trinidad and Tobago.

The introduction of this new genetic material is expected to enhance water production, increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of the local coconut industry.

In addressing the ceremony, Minister Ratiram underscored the significance of the initiative for farmers, the coconut industry and the nation as a whole, stating “The act of distributing coconut seedlings is not a symbolic gesture but a purposeful intervention that forms part of a larger, coordinated national effort to revitalise the coconut industry from the ground up.”

Highlighting the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment, Minister Ratiram added “This event marks another step in the Ministry’s broader plan to modernise and revitalise the agricultural sector across Trinidad and Tobago.” “Through today’s distribution, we recommit to the belief that agriculture is not simply a job. It is a service to the nation.”

Also in attendance were Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) MAF, Mr. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director, CARDI and other stakeholders and senior officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to strengthening the coconut value chain, supporting farmers and advancing national food security goals. Today’s distribution ceremony is a testament to the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand the agricultural sector through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based interventions.

 

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