Agricultural expo

In keeping with its theme “Let’s Culture Our Lives With Agriculture,” the expo will feature paintings, literature, agricultural plants and booth displays highlighting the various aspects of agriculture in TT.

The exhibition will be held at Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas, May 26 to 30, from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Chief coordinator of Mere Desh Committee, Ajeet Praimsingh, said the committee has contracted various agricultural experts for advice in shaping the expo.

He said there will be over 50 booths displaying a wide variety of plants grown here and in the Caribbean.

The expo will also conduct workshops for children and teenagers, a local song contest and display and sale of produce.

The committee is currently working on a map of TT which will identify the areas that are known for producing food and vegetables.

Praimsingh said that while the committee is well known for its annual award ceremony on Indian Arrival Day each year, it decided to host this programme because of the tremendous response thus far.

“It was for the purpose of working the sugar cane fields and working the lands that the East Indians came to this country. With this in mind we have launched an in-depth research plan that will show how important agriculture is in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

He noted that there are several aspects of this topic that can be explored and involve the youths. This is why, he says, the committee has taken up the challenge of exploring agriculture.

Workshops will be conducted in plant propagation, grafting and budding, hydroponics and grow-box, plant fertilising and marketing. A display of the various medicinal plants and foods will also be mounted.

The committee is also inviting the input of agricultural experts to assist in making the expo a success. It is also calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Culture to assist in this venture.

Principals of primary and secondary schools as well as religious organisations that are interested in presenting any work of art in agriculture can contact the committee’s office at Eleanor Street, Chaguanas.

The expo, which is free to the public, will also provide entertainment from top performing artistes and dancers for a cultural show on the main stage.

A local song contest, based on the theme of the expo, will also be held and singers and songwriters must submit their work early for prejudging.