Food import bill drops

He said this figure in the 18 month period before October 2015 was $570,107,188. Rambharat attributed this decline to factors such as increased availability of local produce at farmers’ markets at better prices, challenging in obtaining foreign exchange and a lower wheat prices over the last three years.

Later in the sitting, Rambharat disclosed that guns that were procured for his ministry for the Praedial Larceny Squad, went missing in 2014. He said this situation was outlined in the recently submitted Auditor General’s report to Parliament and might not have received attention, were it not for the actions of a whistle- blower.

Saying these guns which could have “found their way on to the streets,” have since been found and are being kept in a safe place.

He added that an investigation into this matter is ongoing.