Agriculture vital to 2020 Vision

THE EDITOR: It was heartening to read the report given by Ms Alana Ramroop as a delegate of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago to the RASC 21st Conference held in Albury, New South Wales, Australia from March 24-27 recently. The report given should act as an impetus for the agricultural programme of this country. We place a lot of emphasis on making this country a developed nation by 2020 by the building of industrial plants because of our oil and gas economy. But in my humble opinion if the same emphasis is not placed on our agricultural programme, there is the possibility that this 2020 vision as proposed could be in jeopardy of not being attainable. Ms Alana Ramroop has given a short but comprehensive report on how farms are developed and maintained that help in a great measure to boost the Australian economy.

We in this country with our 2020 vision for development should copy this example and do the things that are compatible to the policy of sound economic planning. In her report Ms Ramroop states, “I wish our youth were passionate about agriculture,” obviously meaning that no incentive is given to our youth in the field of agriculture. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have always had a sound agricultural programme commensurate with other industries so that the cost of living is always held in check. What this country needs is spending more money on a better approach in our agricultural thrust to make it more attractive to the young people and to whom the study of agricultural science would be more appealing. If this policy is followed, it is only then our 2020 vision would be a reality.

DA COSTA  MC DONALD
Point Fortin