Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram says there is a strong public response to the National Agriculture Training Initiative.
The National Agriculture Training Initiative is designed to empower small and medium-scale farmers, youth, women, and agricultural cooperatives with modern, sustainable, and climate-resilient farming techniques.
The programme offers free training across several areas within the agricultural sector.
Minister Ratiram said, to date, participants have benefited from approximately 35 courses.
In an exclusive interview with TTT News at the Upper El Dorado Community Centre on Thursday, he revealed there has been substantial interest in the programme.
“We have had close to one thousand persons completed, successfully completed, the programme thus far. So, we are seeing a high level of participation, a high level of enthusiasm from our citizens out there to get involved in the National Agriculture Training Initiative.”
According to the Minister, these types of training programmes help to boost agriculture’s contribution to the country’s GDP and in generating foreign exchange.
“For us to be able to generate that one billion dollars in foreign exchange over this term in office, it would require teaching our people, you know, the practical guide towards export, which is happening here today. We are working on good agriculture produce certification with our farmers. We are working with our agro-processors. So we are filling all the gaps to ensure it will be a smooth transition from the farm, not just to the table, but to the international market abroad.”
One participant, Kevon Morton, said the programme is instrumental in refreshing his knowledge in agriculture.
“I think it’s such an incredible institution for youths to develop, you know, such a great skill. Yeah, that’s what I think about it, and it’s so beneficial.”
Another participant, Keiron Ganga, said the information provided during the training is essential for farmers and encouraged others to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Agriculture is a way forward, and I think that to the public and to everyone, it’s something that you should explore.”