Land tenure security, the rising costs of fertilizers and chemicals, dilapidated agricultural access roads, the persistent threat of praedial larceny, diseases and pest management and the need for improved watercourse maintenance and drainage systems.
These are some of the issues discussed during a meeting Member of Parliament for Couva North and Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram and members of several farmers’ associations recently to address critical issues currently impacting the agricultural sector.
This meeting included representatives from the Peter’s Field Farmers Association, Carlsen Field Farmers Revival Committee, Todd’s Road Citrus Farmers Association, Jerningham Junction Farmers Association, and St. Lucille Farmers Group.
MP Ratiram reassured the farmers of his continued commitment to advocate on their behalf.
This was aimed at not only hearing the issues facing the sector but also to strategize on feasible and impactful solutions to mitigate these challenges and make agriculture a leading sector in this country’s pathway to sustainable development.