17
the period. The objective of the Programme is to provide and make available, water for
sustainable farming in the dry season through:
•
Communal pond Storage and Water Harvesting Systems Reservoir storage in Caroni
River Catchment
•
Reservoir storage in Ortoire River Catchment
•
Reservoir storage in North Oropouche River Catchment
67.
Through the Accelerated Pond Construction Programme, the Ministry will continue this
work over the next three years and is expected to complete the construction of 2,349 irrigation
ponds in the 69 agricultural food basket areas of Trinidad, thereby increasing agricultural
production particularly in times of water shortage and drought. The total cost for this
Programme is estimated at $82 million and the amount of $6 million will be provided for on-
going work in 2014.
68.
Additionally, two (2) major projects are being implemented by the Ministry of Food
Production which include construction of access roads under the Agricultural Access Roads
Programme and the Food Basket Road Programme. These two (2) Programmes will continue
to boost agricultural settlement, farm income, food production and marketing. Rehabilitating
agricultural access roads including the construction of roadways and bridges is the major focus
of the Agricultural Access Roads Programme while the Food Basket Programme continues to
facilitate ease of access to and egress from agricultural holdings located in the sixty-nine (69)
major food basket areas in Trinidad. The total estimated cost of these two (2) Programmes is
$1,327 million. The Food Basket Programme is being implemented by NIPDEC.
69.
Through the Programme, Young Professionals in Agricultural Development, the Ministry
of Food Production will continue their efforts to retain technical knowledge and skills sets
through its linkages with stakeholders. Through this programme tertiary level graduates are
mentored, and provided with emerging opportunities in the sector. The sum of $9.9 million will
be required over the period 2014-2016 for the continuation of the programme.
70.
NAMDEVCO continues its thrust to provide a sustainable supply of food for the nation.
Funds in the amount of $15 million will be provided for on-going works under the programme
Establishment of Small Scale Packing Houses in Agricultural Production Centres. This project
will provide a secure location to pack and store produce in a controlled environment prior to
distribution and marketing, ensuring that food sent to market is of high quality and meet the
standards for local, regional and international markets.
71.
Another initiative being implemented by NAMDEVO is the Development of
Demonstrative Projects – Protected Agricultural Production. The sum of $5.5 million will be
provided over the period for the establishment of Green Houses, Irrigation Systems, and Training
and Consultancy. This project will demonstrate the economic benefits and potential increase in
the supply of fresh agricultural produce using improved technologies.
72.
The fishing sub-sector of the Ministry of Food Production will continue to receive major
attention. Over the period 2014-2016, Government will continue to provide adequate physical
infrastructure to develop the fishing sector. The Project will focus on development of fishing
