As Trinidad and Tobago prepares for the unveiling of the 2025/2026 budget presentation, Agriculture Consultant Riyadh Mohammed is urging the government to move beyond allocations and demonstrate a commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector.
Speaking to TTT News, Mr. Mohammed admitted that while he doesn’t foresee a bigger allocation, he is hoping the sector is prioritised.
“I don’t expect much of a greater investment, but I do expect more of a commitment and a priority being placed on the sector itself. So Trinidad and Tobago national budget for 2024 to 2025 was allocated 1.184 billion to the agri-sector last year, right, really for its continued development and digital transformation and, as we all know, that most of this investment was directly into running of the public sector offices.”
Mr. Mohammed highlighted that in 2024, Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill was estimated at approximately TT$7.3 billion.
He emphasised that reducing this figure requires strategic investment in agriculture.
“So agriculture has a major role in boosting the national food security, for example, while producing staple crops such as rice, potatoes, cassava, even dasheen, and in order to reduce the high cost of imports, which we know is 7.3 billion TT and growing, the Government’s aim is really to boost local production by investing in the private sector in Trinidad and Tobago.”
He also pointed to the importance of agriculture, noting that it drives economic development in rural communities.
“So supporting farming operations can increase income levels as well as reduce rural poverty. So the production of culturally valuable crops, for example, chocolate, specialty type of hot peppers is valued for its heritage. And if you ask me what type of crops or agri-processed products we should invest in for export, I would name it mainly chocolates, specialty chocolates, herbs and spices, and even specialty fruits.”
Mr. Mohammed is calling for genuine collaboration between government and agricultural stakeholders.
“My one note or guidance tip to all leaders is do not promise the agricultural sector stakeholders something that you can’t hold. Work with us, network with us, grow us, and we will take the sector and country forward.”
Last Friday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that the date for the 2025/2026 budget presentation would be announced soon.
