The influx of sargassum seaweed remains a pressing concern for Government, which is now exploring ways to convert the invasive seaweed into fertiliser.
Speaking at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Divali celebration on Wednesday, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen said managing the growing volumes of sargassum continues to be a top priority for her Ministry.
She noted that the issue has had a significant impact on coastal communities and fisherfolk, and stressed that efforts are underway to turn the challenge into an economic opportunity.
Minister Ameen said discussions are continuing with Japan on the possible introduction of equipment to convert the seaweed into fertiliser.
“We are continuing to collaborate with His Excellency, the Ambassador to Trinidad from Japan, and very soon we will be meeting with their officials who will be coming to Trinidad to share with us equipment that will convert the sargassum weed into fertiliser. So it goes back into the circular economy, it benefits the farmers and it contributes to our capacity as a nation to feed ourselves.”