PP gov't outlines incentives to transform agriculture, cut food bill

Trinidad and Tobago is about to see a revolution in agriculture through a transformational approach that involves a shift in focus and a variety of incentives to encourage people to see agriculture as a viable business. The plan is also to get the private sector involved in agriculture.

Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath outlined several incentives Thursday involving agro-processing, irrigation, citrus, cocoa, green house production, livestock farming and aquaculture.

For example, he noted that there is going to be a $50,000 incentive for pre-approved facilities for agro-processing and he confirmed that the Trinidad and Tobago Agro Business Association (TTABA) is being restructured.

One proposed plan is a $20 million rehabilitation program for the coconut industry, which suffered an 80 per cent decline three years ago due to the infestation of the Red Palm Mite three years ago.

"That's why today, to buy a coconut it costs you $6 or $7. And in fact, most of the coconut water that you drink, particularly those bought at the Hi Lo and Tru Valu chains, is actually imported from Guyana. 

"So the coconut industry is a dying one and the Ministry is putting over $20 million into rehabilitating the industry and an exercise that will find a cure for the Red Palm Mite," the minister said.

People interested in livestock development will be able to get a $50,000 incentive for dairy farming and a $30,000 incentive for pre-approved housing for cattle.

There are also incentives for goat and sheep farmers. Bharath said that would reduce the food import bill since 90 per cent of goat meat and lamb come from places like Australia and New Zealand.

"$6000 per hectare for the establishment of pastures, we are also giving an incentive of $20,000 if you wish to import any approved semen and embryos from abroad to be able to start development of the sector and there is $30,000 for any pre-approved housing.

"We are doing the same things for the pork industry, $30,000 for pre-approved housing, $150,000 for the poultry farm sector for pre-approved housing because traditionally they are larger and more expensive," he said.

Fishing will also get a big boost, particularly the area of tilapia farming. Incentives include $25,000 for the construction of ponds, $20,000 for water pumps and fittings, $10,000 for equipment and $10,000 for fittings.

Bharath wants young people to find agriculture attractive. To this end he said the transformation of the sector will be along scientific lines unlike today's approach which is close to subsistence farming.

His Ministry is also developing green and shade house technology for growing short height crops like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, parsley, coriander, lettuce and spinach. The programme has already been launched in Mayaro and there are plans to take it to various communities across both islands.

There will also be incentives for buying new and used farm machinery, which will help farmers cultivate larger areas in a more cost effective way.