Nariva land for rice cultivation
Trinidad and Tobago is moving one step closer to becoming a food secure nation.
This, after Cabinet has approved the allocation of 1,500 acres of State lands at Nariva to be allocated for commercial rice production.
The Minister of Food Production, Senator Devant Maharaj, said the target is at least 10,000 acres.
“Rice is one of the main staples of our diet in Trinidad. We import some 34,000 tonnes of rice of which we produce only 5%, meaning the cost to Trinidad and Tobago ranges close to TT$90 million for that imported item.”
Minister Maharaj explained how the development process is to begin: “We intend to engage a suitably qualified and experienced private sector agri investor to develop and cultivate rice on the land in Nariva. The person is to be selected on a public competitive bidding procedure.”
He explained the lease will be for five years and vetted by the Attorney General.