Agriculture

Agriculture still lags behind other sectors and continues to be overshadowed by the energy-driven economy. However, strides have been taken in the areas of training and farm development. The dip in energy prices leading to the 2015 recession emphasised that economic diversification is paramount to the stability of the Trinidad and Tobago economy. Moreover, the high produce import bill needed to sustain the country’s food needs has led to a greater focus on food security. Investment in traditional crops as well as diversification of produce could provide for greater domestic production and less dependence on neighbouring countries. A move towards agro-industry through technological training and graduate grants could provide significant growth in value-added products for domestic consumption and export. This chapter contains an interview with Nirmalla Debysingh-Persad, CEO, National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation.