FOOD PRODUCTION FALLS

DESPITE Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s recent lofty statements on the agricultural sector, local food production has declined.

Vegetable production fell by 22.9 per cent in the just-ended fiscal year, according the Government’s Review of the Economy.

Melongene production fell by 87 per cent, sweet peppers by 80 per cent, celery by 77 per cent, sorrel by 77 per cent, corn by 70 per cent, patchoi by 68 per cent, and dasheen bush by 68 per cent.

Yields in ochro declined by 50 per cent, cabbage by 48 per cent, tomato by 47 per cent, watermelon by 44 per cent, pigeon peas by 22 per cent, and cucumber by 11 per cent.

There were increased production of cauliflower, pumpkin, bodi, hot pepper, chive, and lettuce.

The authorities are blaming “several periods of drought and reduced water availability.”

“Extreme weather” hampered cultivation and harvesting.

Pineapple production decreased by 33 per cent, and table egg yields slumped by seven per cent.

There was a 5.5 per cent decline in broiler production.

The number of pigs sold fell by 16.6 per cent.

There was a 31.4 per cent increase in dairy milk, higher rice production, more copra and paw paw.

The decline in domestic food production is contrary to growth in certain other Caricom countries, principally Guyana, where there has been a dramatic increase in rice, sugar, poultry and other food items.

Trinidad and Tobago is evidently making little contribution to the Caricom Food Plan, which seeks to cut food imports by 25 per cent by 2025.

T&T has the region’s highest annual food import bill of $7.3 billion.

In recent weeks, Rowley has been touting the agricultural sector at various events, including an agri-expo.

He also told of attracting youth to agriculture.

He also recently commissioned a shade house at Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas.

He has said that agriculture is profitable if done properly.

The Review of the Economy said that employment in agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing sector grew from 27,900 to 30,400 workers.

But the sector contribution to the national economy remains minimal.

The report said there were problems of praedial larceny, pests and diseases.