In a bid to drive agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, the MarVista Institute for Agricultural Training and Development, in partnership with key stakeholders, hosted a workshop on August 3rd aimed at helping farmers boost their crop yields.
MarVista Chairman Marcus Mycoo emphasised that food production remains a vital national asset, especially for Trinidad and Tobago. He noted that high yields and productivity begin with quality seedlings, and the Institute’s goal is to help farmers improve those numbers.
“We believed then, and we believe now, and we will continue to believe that our work is key to the transformation of the sector – big thing to say in Trinidad and Tobago and as we continue throughout the region.”
Among the key stakeholders at the workshop were the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and Republic Bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” Programme.
The Mayor of Chaguanas, Faaiq Mohammed, praised the workshop, calling it a step toward transforming how we farm, feed, and ultimately live. He emphasised that agriculture is too often viewed as a relic of the past when it holds the key to our future.
“You are not just growing seedlings, you are growing possibilities. You are planting roots of food security, independence, and prosperity.”
According to the Acting Manager of Republic Bank Limited’s Centre for Business Innovation, Andre Baksh, innovation thrives with support, and oil and gas can no longer remain the economy’s main focus. He stressed that greater attention must be given to agriculture, noting that advancements can help transform the industry.
“While integrating new technologies may seem overwhelming at first, working together to embrace innovation is essential for building a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable agriculture sector.”
A representative from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Diana Francis, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agriculture and promoting farming sustainability.