Agriculture Minister, Ravi Ratiram says Government’s 0.987 billion dollar allocation to the sector is a clear sign that food security remains a national priority.
Speaking at the World Food Day celebrations on Friday, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram said the country’s food systems must become more resilient and less dependent on imports, noting that the allocation for agriculture in the 2027 Budget is structured to do just that.
“This is not merely a line item in the budget, it is a statement of priority and an investment in our nation’s resilience to produce our own food.”
The Minister also raised concern over the country’s rising food import bill, which he said has increased significantly in recent years.
“A stronger domestic agricultural sector can contribute to greater food availability, support livelihoods and help reduce our reliance on imported commodities. It can also help to reduce our increasing food import bill. We have seen that food import bill rise from 5 billion to over 7.3 billion dollars so collectively we are working on strategies to bring down that food import bill.”
Minister Ratiram said one such solution is the expansion of the Public Fruit and Food Orchard Initiative, which aims to bring fruit trees and food crops into schools, housing developments and public spaces across the country.
“This initiative can promote environmental stewardship, strengthen appreciation for local produce and improve access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable communities it is a practical reminder that food security is not only about what we produce on farms, but also about what we connect food to the people who need it.”
The World Food Day celebration was held under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” which included the ceremonial planting of a canistel tree, highlighting the importance of increased local food production.