Summary
- New Agricultural Push: The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched a pilot programme in Caroni to cultivate soyabean, corn, and blackeye beans.
- Targeting the Import Bill: The initiative aims to reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s reliance on imported food by boosting local production for human consumption and livestock feed.
- Strategic Partnerships: The phased rollout is backed by international and regional organizations, including CARDI, IICA, and the FAO, to ensure a sustainable, data-driven expansion.
By Prior Beharry
IN a move to slash Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill and boost national food security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has officially launched its new Pilot Programme for Soyabean, Corn, and Blackeye Beans Production.
The initiative kicked off on Thursday with a ceremonial planting exercise along the Southern Main Road in Caroni, signalling a deliberate shift toward a more production-driven agricultural economy.
The programme targets three priority crops identified for their high potential in import substitution, agro-processing, and integration into national feeding programmes.
The Ministry is adopting a phased, “pilot-to-scale” approach, beginning with small-scale trials before expanding nationally.
Officials say this strategy will ensure data-driven decision-making, optimise production systems, and reduce investment risks for farmers.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram noted the urgent need to transition the country away from heavy import reliance.
“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,” Ratiram said.
The pilot programme also aims to secure local feed supplies for the poultry, swine, and dairy industries. It will also expand the domestic protein supply through blackeye bean cultivation, create new economic avenues for small and medium-scale farmers, and promote climate-smart farming techniques, such as using crop rotation for soil nitrogen fixation.
The Ministry is collaborating with key regional and international agricultural bodies, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The launch was attended by several ministers including Minister of Education Dr Michael Dowlath; Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Senator Satyakama Maharaj; Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Rishad Seecheren; and Parliamentary Secretary Dr Colin Neil Gosine. Diana Francis, Representative of the IICA Delegation in T&T, was also in attendance.
