17
Strategic Priority – Agriculture and Food
Security
Agriculture
41.
One of the major strategic priorities of Government is to become a Food Secure
Nation by 2015. In addition to its contributions as a viable economic sector through the
creation of sustainable livelihoods, competitive employment and innovation, the
agriculture sector has been identified as one of the main areas for achieving a diversified
economy. This sector has been identified as having significant potential due to the inter-
linkages to several sectors such as tourism, food processing and manufacturing.
42.
Additionally, Government, through its support of the development of this sector is
aiming to reduce the food import bill, create sustainable long-term employment, and
increase the overall contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP. In 2013, investment in
the Agriculture Sector amounted to $166.2 million to achieve these objectives.
43.
In 2013 the Ministry of Food Production had the main responsibility for the
achievement of the aims and objectives under this priority, for which an allocation of
$105.150 million was provided under the Consolidated Fund and $61 million under the
Infrastructure Development Fund. A revised allocation of $168.9 million was provided
for the ongoing work of the Ministry.
44.
The funds were utilised to facilitate a number of projects linked to the
achievement of strategic outputs associated with achieving this priority area. The primary
areas of investment to improve agricultural production were the, Water Management and
Flood Control Programme, Agricultural Land Management Development of the Fish
Processing Industry, Upgrade of Fishing Facilities, Upgrade of Wholesale Markets,
Establishment of Small Scale Packing Houses and Research and Development.
45.
In fiscal 2013, the Estate Management and Business Development Company
(EMBD) continued its thrust of the development of lands at Caroni and Orange Grove
Estate at a cost of $293.1 million.
GOAL
A FOOD SECURE NATION
MAIN OUTCOMES:
ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE FOOD
AGRICULTURE WILL BE A VIABLE
SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY
