Agriculture is set to become a pillar of the Tobago economy once again. The island was once known as the breadbasket of this country, and it is the aim of the People’s National Movement led Tobago House of Assembly to push Tobago into that favourable position once more.
Small, medium, and large scale farmers are therefore being encouraged to approach the THA to access farmland, financial assistance, and training, in order to grow the sector.
While speaking during the Belle Garden/Glamorgan community meeting on Thursday, THA Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, who is also the candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, shared that the PNM administration has earmarked $50M to develop 6 estates across the island with roads, electricity and of Tobagonians feeding Tobago.
Chief Secretary Dennis further revealed that distribution of legal documents will begin next week, allowing farmers to begin legally occupying 200 acres at Lammy Road Estate, which will be the first set of lands distributed. He explained that Lammy Road Estate will eventually accommodate 40 to 50 farmers in total, while another approximately 30 farmers will eventually be settled on 120 acres of land at Friendship Estate, which are zoned for agricultural purposes.
Mr Dennis added that apart from developing roughly 600 acres across the island which will accommodate 200 to 300 Tobagonian farmers, the PNM THA has overseen the establishment of the Tobago Agri-Business Company, to act as agents for sale and/or processing of farmers’ produce, as well as fishermen’s catch.
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