Deficiency in meat/dairy products

THE EDITOR: Are we to ever take national issues seriously, or, conversely, are we to be forever hoodwinked and sidelined by a lot or political jargon and ole talk while the priorities are left unattended?

In Sunday Newsday May 18 in an Agricultural Supplement headed variously “A critical platform,” “Food security for all by 2020.” The Ministry of Agriculture’s Development Programme” labour to list several “fundamental elements” which is included seed stock, cocoa, rabbit rearing, poultry, rice and honey. Nowhere in the eight main segments listed was any mention made anywhere of our almost total dependence on foreign beef, mutton, goat and dairy products requirements. This, under the aegis of a Minister who has been at pains to stress the critical importance of self sufficiency in our basic domestic food requirements, is a lacuna so remarkable as to be conspicuous, if not glaring! How can there be a national agricultural plan that does not make mention of our critical deficiency in such vital areas as meat and dairy products? Someone has got to be joking and/or taking us for a ride? Is the “programme” going to be acclaimed a triumphant success if it enables us to be self sufficient in our needs for honey and rabbit meat while the whole forest is missed looking at a tree or two? I just wish someone would get serious for a change for surely this is a joke?

GEOFF HUDSON
Port-of-Spain