Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram has made renewed calls to the Indian government for the return of technical support to help revive Trinidad and Tobago’s farming sector.
His statement comes after the Government of India, through the Indian High Commission, symbolically handed over a “generous donation” of basmati rice and edible oil on Wednesday afternoon.
“I use this opportunity to lobby His Excellency, to plead with His Excellency, for us to sort of re-establish that technical advisory support that the Government of India would have provided to us in the past because when we look at what has been happening to the industries over the years, we have seen a consistent decline with respect to our food production.”
Minister Ratiram said the gift of basmati rice and edible oil was more than symbolic, noting that it was a sign of deeper cooperation between both countries.
“I step into this role at a moment when our food systems are facing unprecedented pressures. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, land and labour constraints, and economic volatility continue to affect our ability to produce, distribute, and consume food safely and sustainably. But beyond those challenges lie the stories of real people. Farmers planting with uncertainty, small vendors navigating rising costs.”
India’s High Commissioner, Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, emphasised the cultural and historical significance of the donation.
“I am sure that most of the people here are aware of the Indian products like rice and oil and other things. But this is a gesture from, a small gesture I would say, a small state in India, Haryana. It may be bigger in the local parameters here. But the idea was to introduce the commodities being grown, cultivated, and packed by a Government-owned agency, a public sector undertaking, and getting into a tangible collaboration in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, praised the donation’s impact on local communities.
“This donation will go a long way in bringing relief to many families in my area as well as across the country. We thank you sincerely, and we pledge to ensure that these supplies reach those who need it the most.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Nicholas Morris, highlighted the diplomatic and multilateral significance of the event.
“Today that partnership is strengthened by today’s ceremony, and we look forward to working together, continuing as both countries and as governments together. We both uphold the norms and values which ensure all countries, whether big or small, have a place and a voice at the table.”
The donation comes just ahead of the 180th celebration of Indian Arrival Day, which will be celebrated on May 30th.