By Sue-Ann Wayow
BY Wednesday, some produce, vegetables, fruits and chickens will be delivered to members of Parliament for 6,000 families by the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO).
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat told AZPNews.com that an average of 600 families in each of the 41 constituencies will benefit from those packages despite challenges face by farmers.
He said, “On average 600 families will benefit in each of the 41 constituencies. Of these NAMDEVCO revised its initial request for 600 names from MPs and requested 400 names from MPs. Given the short time frame names are also being provided by non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations working with families who are affected by the May 3 restrictions.”
Some farmers were affected by flooding but NAMDEVCO was making other provisions.
“NAMDEVCO advised MPs that some farmers who committed to supply produce were delayed because of the rain and wet field conditions. NAMDEVCO was therefore dealing with any shortfall by seeking other farmers who have produce. Registered farmers affected by flooding are familiar with the process for financial assistance and they will apply. This NAMDEVCO program pays them current prices within days of delivery so that they can reinvest,” Rambharat said.
On Monday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said that as part of Government’s Covid relief efforts, the Ministry of Agriculture began an initiative of feeding families with fresh produce and locally processed chickens. Its aim was to feed 25,000 families in all 41 constituencies with an average of 600 per constituency. These food baskets may be supplemented with food cards he added.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said on Monday night that although the Minister of Finance announced that some 600 families in each constituency would be provided with a package, she was told that due to flooding issues, farmers could not reliably provide enough produce and therefore 400 families would have benefitted instead.
