DR OMARDATH MAHARAJ

UNFORTUNATELY for us, the short and hasty general election campaign was relatively silent on vision and policies for our food, agriculture, fisheries, and rural sectors, except for a hardline position offered by Kamla Persad-Bissessar. I was eager to receive an account of a decade of Dr Keith Rowley’s handling of these sectors, but it was perhaps pre-empted by other platform priorities.

Any decision and action that lends inclusive and sustainable development of our food and agriculture sector is welcomed, including consideration for issues affecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk. The UNC proposed to establish a special agricultural court as a supporting measure to address praedial larceny. Hard commitment to addressing the perennial issues confronting the sector is overdue.

This is a long-overdue measure that recognises the real and persistent threat that theft poses to agribusiness investment, farmers’ livelihoods, and national food security. For years I have consistently called for stronger institutional responses to praedial larceny through my advocacy, community outreach, and public education initiatives.

I’ve worked alongside the National 4-H Council, Tableland Pineapple Farmers Association, Felicity/Charlieville Fishing Association, other representative groups, and youth in agriculture networks to highlight the impact of this crime on small and large farmers alike, and its threat to our agri-food system.

Moreover, the intention to improve land access and streamline agricultural incentives is also welcome. I’ve championed these very reforms through stakeholder consultations and policy discussions, calling for a more inclusive and transparent system that supports both new and experienced farmers. Access to land and timely incentives are not just administrative issues, but key enablers for food production, generational renewal in agriculture, and economic development.

This plan, if implemented, can lead to greater accountability, and has the potential to build greater confidence in the agricultural sector.

It is my respectful view that the incoming prime minister, at this stage of our development history and current socio-economic outlook, must ensure that their appointees and experts are ready to discuss rapid and strategic interventions, and implement approaches which can be sustained with respect to food, agriculture, and rural development in this country.

Over a decade ago I made the call for a ministry of rural development. Yet, aside from a name change, the government has not pursued and established a rural development policy that is focused not on urbanisation, but is committed to meeting the challenges faced by our rural and coastal areas, while, importantly, unlocking their potential.

Some activities flowing to these communities, while needed, appear to be disconnected and unco-ordinated from the wider support ecosystem which minimises their impact and relevance to the beneficiaries.

This ministry and the rural development vision described by Rowley since 20