PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram, is looking for nearer collaboration as regional nations search to scale back their reliance on chemical pesticides whereas defending each crops and ecosystems.
Addressing the regional session of the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences Worldwide (CABI), which concludes right here on Thursday, Ratiram acknowledged that chemical pesticides have performed a task in growing yields; nonetheless, their dangers to well being, commerce, and ecosystems are nicely acknowledged.
“The worldwide group, together with governments, civil society, and the personal sector, is now dedicated to decreasing these dangers by way of innovation, stronger coverage frameworks, and sustainable options.”
He mentioned that CABI has been a trusted associate of the ministry “for a few years” and that. By way of collaboration on plant well being, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and capability constructing, CABI has supported “our efforts to strengthen meals safety and agricultural commerce.
“On this new and expanded providing on pesticide threat discount, we see additional alternatives to deepen this partnership by creating sensible options that safeguard our farmers, shield shoppers, and be certain that our produce meets the very best worldwide requirements.
“We recognise that the duty earlier than us can’t be undertaken in isolation. A partnership between regulators, researchers, the personal sector, monetary establishments, and our farming communities is crucial. By working collectively, we will design and implement options that shield livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and help the sustainable transformation of our meals techniques, really reflecting the precept of working in partnership for a protected and sustainable future”.
Ratiram mentioned that as the worldwide inhabitants strikes in the direction of an estimated 10 billion individuals by the 2080s, the demand for protected and sustainable meals manufacturing continues to rise.
“Farmers in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the area face the problem of defending crops from pests, ailments, and invasive species whereas on the identical time safeguarding human well being, the setting, and biodiversity,” he added.
Ratiram acknowledged that the Analysis Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries will quickly introduce Most Residue Restrict (MRL) testing, using newly acquired tools to conduct pesticide residue testing for a variety of chemical compounds.
“This initiative demonstrates our dedication to making sure that agricultural produce meets the very best security requirements. Moreover, in collaboration with CABI, our Ministry has adopted the usage of Novacrid, a bio-pesticide, for locust management. This sustainable strategy exemplifies the type of innovation and partnership wanted to scale back reliance on chemical pesticides whereas defending each crops and ecosystems.”
The convention is being held below the theme “Working in partnership for a protected and sustainable future” and brings collectively representatives of CABI member nations, regional and worldwide organisations, senior authorities officers, researchers, and different key stakeholders.
The occasion supplies a platform for dialogue on a few of the most urgent challenges dealing with agriculture, together with pest and illness administration, invasive species, meals security, pesticide threat discount, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
The organisers say it additionally seeks to strengthen partnerships and establish collaborative options that shield livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems, and construct resilience throughout the area’s meals techniques.
CABI’s Chief Govt Officer, Dr. Daniel Elger, counseled the collaborative efforts throughout the area, emphasizing the significance of progressive and science-based approaches to strengthening meals and vitamin safety.
The convention will function technical periods, panel discussions, and nation studies, culminating in a subject go to to the Nariva Swamp, Trinidad and Tobago’s largest freshwater wetland and a chosen Ramsar Wetland of Worldwide Significance.
