Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Consumers across T&T will have to brace for severe hikes in the cost of local produce in the coming months, as a mix of worrying challenges—including widespread praedial larceny, intense heatwaves, and major cultivation disruptions—threaten to drastically reduce supply.
Contrary to the usual expectations of lower prices during the dry season, fuelled by a glut of produce, this year tells a different story.
A check with some of the country’s markets showed that for instance, tomatoes which usually retailed between $3 to $4 in the dry season are now being sold at between $10 to $12 per pound and in some cases as much as $18 per pound, depending on where it is bought.
Cucumbers which were $3 and $4 a pound are now priced at around $8 to $10; sweet peppers which were usually sold at $6 are now going for $12; melongene which retailed between $4 to $5 is now priced at between $8 to $12 per pound and pumpkin which was cheap at $2 per pound has now gone up by three dollars more a pound.
To compound matters, there has been no surplus of goods such as dasheen, celery, hot peppers, lettuce, patchoi (bok choy), cabbage, callaloo bush, cauliflower, bodi (long beans), cucumber and sweet peppers as the cost of these goods also continue to steadily climb when compared to prices last year.
Chief executive officer of the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (Namdevo) Nirmala Debysingh also provided the Sunday Business Guardian with statistics on produce price increases.
A comparison was conducted between the average prices at the Norris Deonarine Northern Wholesale Market (NDNWM) for January to March 2023 and January 2024 which also showed a steady hike.
“For root crops, the average price of eddoes increased by 58 per cent, and ginger saw a substantial increase of 163 per cent when compared to the previous year. Minor fluctuations were observed in the prices of other root crops traded during the same period,” Debysingh explained.
In the category of condiments and spices, she said most experienced a decrease in average price, except for celery, which saw a significant increase from $30 per bundle to $40 per bundle.
“Leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and patchoi experienced price increases compared to the previous year along with vegetables, cucumber and tomato which showed an increase in their average prices compared to the previous year,” Debysingh added.
She noted there, however, were no significant increases in the prices of fruits and citrus.
Meanwhile, agricultural consultant and director at the Agriculture Society of T&T (ASTT), Donny Rogers agreed that it was concerning prices have not only escalated from the previous year but have also shown an unusual trend of remaining high for extended periods.
This shift, he explained, marks a worrying departure from the norm, signalling tough times ahead for both consumers and producers alike.
“This increase in wholesale prices from January to February this year, contrary to the price behaviour for the same period in the previous year, indicates that consumers might have to brace for sustained higher retail prices for these locally produced commodities throughout the year,” Rogers explained.
He pointed out that the reasons behind this price inflation were complex and multifaceted.
“One of the critical factors is water scarcity, which has been a persistent issue despite promises from the Minister of Public Utilities for alleviation,” he cited.
According to Rogers, the agricultural sector has not seen the promised improvement in water woes; instead, the situation has worsened.
“The restricted water supply, without any prioritization for farming districts, severely impacts crop yields and compromises sanitation in critical areas like dairy farms. Moreover, the situation is aggravated by soaring temperatures, which have dried up rivers and ponds,” he further noted.
Added to this, Roger said infrastructure deficiencies also play a significant role in stifling agricultural productivity.
“The lack of basic infrastructure, including roads, lighting and proper water management systems has been long-standing grievance among farmers. This neglect has led to areas experiencing chronic flooding and loss of produce, further exacerbated by watercourses which have been clogged for years,” he explained.
Rogers said this deficiency in infrastructure not only impacts current productivity but also deters the continuous and optimal use of farmland, contributing further to the spike in retail prices.
To make matters worse, Rogers said praedial larceny remains a major problem that also continues to negatively affect prices.
“The surge in agricultural theft has nearly doubled in reported offenses over the last eight years. This has created an environment where farmers are discouraged from investing in advanced, water-efficient irrigation methods. This escalation of crimes against farmers ranges from simple theft to more severe offenses, leaving the agricultural community vulnerable and hesitant to enhance their production capabilities,” Rogers revealed.
Advocating for a dedicated, structured, and collaborative approach led by the Government to address these challenges, Rogers said with the right policies and support, the agricultural sector can overcome the hurdles of low productivity and high prices, among others.
He also called for intervention to ensure food security and stabilisation of prices in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, farmers from south Trinidad have also complained that the cost of production remains high and despite agricultural incentives, saying they either struggle or have not been able to stay afloat.
At the Poodai Lagoon, farmer Sipersad Ramnarine said many farmers do not have land tenure and therefore, cannot access a farmer’s badge.
“We do not qualify for the subsidies even though we have been planting for decades,” he said.
Ramnarine said those who make investments in infrastructure are the ones who eke out a profit but the majority of farmers, however, do not get any help regarding access to agricultural incentives.
With the heat intensifying in March and perhaps expected to continue, Ramnarine said many farmers have simply stopped cultivating, noting that this will further affect the supply of goods.
Another farmer, Azard Baksh of Chatham Village Cedros who has been planting for 40 years also bemoaned the lack of assistance.
“I never get any help from the Government. The only help I get is from the Most High,” he said.
Farmer Ashmir Mohammed, at Rahamut Trace who expressed similar sentiments, echoed that praedial larceny as well as poor irrigation systems, and the continuously stealing of water pumps and water lines, further cripple the sector.
“People are abandoning their lands and going to work in supermarkets and construction. They just cannot continue with farming because it is so expensive,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein, when contacted, assured he was trying his best to assist farmers across the country, of which 13,000 are registered.
Saying the Agricultural Incentive Programme (AIP) has been expanded, Hosein said his ministry has offered cash rebates and exemptions in 92 categories to support the development of agricultural practices.
Urging people to apply for their farmer’s badges so they can qualify for incentives, Hosein said they should also register under the Farmers Registration Programme.
He noted the incentives cover a wide range of categories including vehicle purchases, integrated pest management systems, advancements in livestock, tree crops and agro-processing.
“Applications for these incentives can be made at the nearest county offices or through the ministry’s website. I encourage all stakeholders to visit our website at www.agriculture.gov.tt,” Hosein outlined.
“I urge you to look at what the ministry offers, vehicle purchases, insulation and refrigeration, livestock water for agriculture, fuel, equipment, post-harvest operations, marketing security, youth in agriculture, agro-processing, and soil amelioration,” he added.