Minister Hosein calls on Corporate Sector to work with MALF to boost Agriculture Sector through Seedling Distribution

Minister Hosein calls on Corporate Sector to work with MALF to boost Agriculture Sector through Seedling Distribution  

During the launch of the Agricultural Development Bank’s (ADB) Seedling Drive Initiative this morning, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein in delievering the feature address stated, “There is an imminent need to increase local food production in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the current Russia/Ukraine conflict – both of which have impacted the cost of agricultural inputs and had an adverse effect on food pricing and availability”.

The event which signalled ADB’s thrust to encourage home gardening and thus promote food sustainability through the distribution of a variety of seedlings under the theme, ‘Grow Stronger Together’, was also attended by the Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Avinash Singh; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Susan Shurland; Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Agriculture, Dr. John Alleyne; the Chairman of the ADB, Mr. Sekou Mark and ADB’s Chief Executive Officer (Ag.), Mr. Gleason Garraway.

In lauding the initiative as one that will empower families and by extension communities to get involved in primary agricultural production, Minister Hosein was also keen to note the important role which home gardening played in providing households with the luxury of quality leisure time, as well as the opportunity to enjoy both a reduced domestic food bill and an alternate source of income. He said: “A key element in our country’s diversification thrust is the Agriculture sector together with industries linked to it. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries continues to work assiduously to generate greater interest in the sector by attracting new entrants and supporting existing participants as we work to integrate primary agricultural production into the day-to-day lives of all citizens.”

The Minister added too that he was particularly heartened to see the ADB, whose core function is lending to agricultural stakeholders, “step out of its comfort zone and go to the root of the matter” by facilitating primary production at the level of the community. Similarly, in commending the Seedling Drive initiative, he urged the management and staff of the ADB, to stay committed to the course of selflessly meeting the needs of those whose production and livelihoods are dependent on the quality and diversity of their service saying, “When farmers and fisherfolks come to you for assistance, be patient and understanding; we are here to serve.” Minister Hosein also made a clarion call saying, “There’s a greater joy in giving than receiving and I want to encourage the ADB and corporate entities alike to continue assisting both young, upcoming and veteran farmers in accessing the services provided for agricultural development.”

The Official Launch of the ADB’s Seedling Drive Initiative took place today (Wednesday 4th May, 2022) at the ADB’s Head Office on Henry Street in Port of Spain.