President: TT needs to grow more food

PRESIDENT George Maxwell Richards has suggested that more emphasis be placed on food production for local consumption and for export. Speaking at a handing over ceremony of the Rotary Club of Penal on Saturday at Paria Suites, La Romain, Richards recalled a time when Tobago was considered the breadbasket of the country. He noted that it is no longer the case, “And indeed, food items are imported into Tobago and sold at higher prices at retail outlets than in Trinidad — that situation needs to be addressed.”

Although the President conceded that the country has come a long way in diversifying the economy, the economy is still largely dependent on the energy sector and will continue to be for some time to come. “However, I am of the view that much greater attention should be paid to food production for local consumption and for export,” he said. President Richards said the country can become self sufficient in food, if priority is placed on growing more food. “It is amazing that we are importing vegetables and fruit on such a large scale when we have such a variety of our own — iceberg lettuce does not have the nutrition that our regular green leaf lettuce has,” he said.

“We must develop a deeper appreciation for our local foods and get more involved in production, preparation and preservation.” Richards said the decline in vegetable production during the period 1990 to 2000, was a result of challenges such as insects, disease, praedial larceny, flooding, poor drainage and poor quality access roads, as well as the high cost of chemicals. He said he was confident those deterrents are being dealt with.