UN gives Govt high marks for agriculture

Addressing the presentation of the 2004 Agricultural Census results at the Hotel Normandie in St Ann’s yesterday, FAO local representative David Marshall said FAO will continue to assist TT and other small island developing states (SIDS) to develop sustainable agricultural sectors and policies.

Marshall said while the agriculture sector was dwarfed in size and economic contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) by the energy and tourism sectors, "we should not measure its importance in terms of economic yardstick. The agriculture sector provides an important source of employment, income earning opportunities for much of the population, food security and the importance of providing nutritious foods for the people."

In recognition of this reality, Marshall said Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s administration approached the FAO in 2001 to ask the UN organisation for technical support in the undertaking of the 2004 Agricultural Census. Marshall said the use of image scanning for the first time, has resulted in accurate agricultural data being produced in a timely fashion. Noting that the last agricultural census was done in 1982, Marshall said this showed a recognition by the Government for the establishment of sound policies for the agricultural sector that were underpinned by comprehensive and reliable data.

Marshall said the FAO remained committed to helping these countries develop sustainable agriculture sectors that would redound to the benefit of their respective populations.

Central Statistical Officer (CSO) director Peter Pariag underscored Government’s commitment to the 2004 census, noting that Cabinet allocated $17.5 million in October 2003 to undertake the census. Pariag said the CSO learnt lessons from past censuses, and the 2004 census is the result of extensive consultations with all of the relevant stakeholders. He added that the 2004 census met and exceeded all of its set timelines and there was also a preliminary report released on April 27.