Thursday, October 8, 2015

Policies

2016 Budget Promises: Objective for achieving food security 

 

Arising out of the current economic situation, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is seeking to diversify the Trinidad and Tobago's economy from Oil and Gas.  

The Government has revisited policies which once made the country of Trinidad and Tobago self sufficient.  They have decided to go back to the land.    The Government have reintroduced policies to create wealth in and for the country, to create wealth to families and an industrious livelihood for the youth.  
Do we see this as an avenue to improve our current situation?

The Policy focuses on:
i) farmers being exempted from duties and taxes as the Government attempts to boost agriculture production;

ii)  a number of national competitions and awards for farmers and pupils alike;

iii) attempts to increase productivity in the agricultural sector through allocations of $831 million, a decrease from last year's allocation of $1.328 billion.

iv) exemption from all duties and taxes for various inputs into the agricultural sector, including approved chemicals, pest control, approved vehicles, approved fishing vessels and equipment; 


v) “Through the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) there weill be the re-introduction of the Prime Minister's Award for the best kitchen garden in schools;

vi) introduce a number of national competitions and awards aiming at motivating farmers to strive for excellence in agricultural production,"
  
These measures will take effect from January 1, 2016, and will seek to
  • reduce our reliance on imported food products and make food production affordable and competitive; 
  • reverse the decline in agriculture production and create a strong, modern, prosperous and competitive agriculture sector by enhancing public sector investment, encouraging private investment in agriculture and agro technology and the creation and modernisation of agri-business infrastructure among other things.

what do you think of our agricultural policies? 

 Are they sustainable? 

 Are you going back too? 


2 comments:

  1. A very good initiative as a country that can feed itself will survive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with the policy of exemption of duties and taxes. Many of times duties and taxes are way too high as duty varies and tax 15%. A cost that can sometimes be too expensive, discouraging farmers.

    ReplyDelete