Food should be a national security issue

NATIONAL consultation is needed now regarding the agriculture and fisheries sector in Trinidad and Tobago.

Yesterday, the Tableland Pineapple Farmers Association called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to host consultations on how the sectors should be improved.

Chairman of the Association, Ramash Ramsumair expressed disappointment.

On Monday, in observance of World Oceans Day, several people in both sectors had met with agricultural economist Omardath Maharaj to discuss the issues of the sargussum seaweed, underemployment and unemployment and the state of agriculture and fisheries in the south-eastern region.

Ramsumair said: “Several in the gathering were disappointed that the Prime Minister did not convene a national conversation on the sector. For many years, much lip service has been made on the importance of the sector and its far-reaching links to sustainable livelihoods, rural development, health, environment, economy, and overall food and nutrition security. “

In addressing attendees Maharaj said more education was needed.

He said: “In an area starved for development resources, employment and income generation opportunities, those with the power so to do should have already brought the necessary technical and other inputs to at least develop an operational plan with stakeholders.”

Maharaj said: “There is an identified public education gap on the usefulness of the seaweed - if any, the operation of equipment and vehicles on beaches, or even the possibility of the seaweed being an opportunity. It may trigger a cluster business development initiative, even if only at a micro-level, to provide some economic rent for its stay on our shores.”

Ramsumair said the food and nutrition security of the nation should be treated as a national security issue.

And he invited the public to the National Fruit Festival which takes place from June 26 to June 28 at the Nu Image Simplex, New Grant, Princes Town.

Taken from Trinidad Express Newspaper