Farmers get title to 300 acres

AGRICULTURE MINISTER John Rahael, yesterday handed out certificates of title for 300 acres of land to 48 farmers at the Craignish Demonstration Centre, Princes Town. Each farmer received approximately six acres.

Minister Rahael said the distribution of land to the farmers was important because of the Government’s aim to “improve the food security of the nation” and reduce the food import bill. The Minister said the leasing of land was the result of Government’s recent efforts to repeal the State Land Amendment Act of 2000, which “contributed to undue delays in making agriculture state leases available to our farmers”. He said the accelerated land distribution plan ensures that deserving farmers receive lands. Rahael lauded the transparent means used to distribute the lands as it was advertised through the media. The titles are for 30 years and can be renewed on expiration. Nothing but farming is to be done on the land and farmers contravening this condition run the risk of losing their land. The farmers can now benefit from the Agricultural Incentive Programme, and access loans from financial institutions.