RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis has issued a call to action for young people in T&T, urging them to become pioneers in agriculture.
With the country's farmers aging and a pressing need to reduce the food import bill, Robinson-Regis said the Government is offering lucrative opportunities through the Youth Agriculture Homestead Programme (YAHP).
Speaking at a distribution ceremony at the Chatham Community Centre in Cedros on Monday, where 150 homesteads were given, Robinson-Regis emphasised the importance of youth involvement in agriculture.
She highlighted the Government’s commitment to providing additional homesteads under the YAHP in various locations, including La Gloria Estate, Carlisle Estate, Chatham Food Crop site, Talparo, and Toco Estate.
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, she said, "You are the pioneers of a new era in agriculture." Robinson- Regis underscored the potential of agricultural entrepreneurship saying it will foster economic development by generating employment and contributing to food security and nutrition. She also said there has been a lack of interest from the younger generation in pursuing agricultural careers.
"However, the active participation of young people is crucial for successful and sustainable agripreneurship," she added.
The Minister highlighted the negative perception of agriculture as a low-income career choice and said it was important to break these stereotypes.
"Your continued participation in this program runs contrary to the prevailing ethos among young people who show declining interest in agriculture," she added.
Robinson-Regis emphasized that the Government’s youth policy aims to invest in young people and provide opportunities for their growth and success.
She noted that the YAHP is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), requiring significant investments in the agri-food sector and empowering young agri-preneurs.
Robinson-Regis expressed confidence in the ability of young food and agricultural entrepreneurs to revolutionize the food chain, reduce food loss and waste, increase crop yields, improve market access, develop novel technologies, and promote sustainable farming practices.
She also said the Land Settlement Agency (LSA), a pillar of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has allocated 175 lots in Chatham under the YAHP.
"Each two-acre plot is valued at over $500,000, with a total of 176 starter homes will be built by the LSA, including 175 for the homesteads and one on the model farm. The Government is investing approximately $775,000 in house and land for each successful YAHP graduate," she revealed.
Robinson-Regis also said about 20 local residents were already employed in the construction and at least 100 more were expected to join as the project progresses.
"Small businesses within the community are also benefiting from increased sales due to the influx of workers," she added.
She noted that the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) plans to accelerate its efforts to improve the water supply in the Chatham area, thanks to the development.
"As the young farmers grow and expand, they will provide further employment opportunities within the community," she said.
Also attending the function were Youth Development and National Service Minister Foster Cummings and Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly.