Food ministry to import dairy cattle

T&T’s dairy production is getting a significant boost, Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj said on Wednesday. Speaking at the launch of the ministry’s Farmer’s Outreach Programme at Solomon Temple, Wallerfield, Maharaj said the ministry is importing 75 dairy cattle next month for distribution to farmers at one-third of the cost. The remainder of the cost will be borne by the Livestock Board and Nestle T&T Ltd. Maharaj said an agreement was signed by all parties on Wednesday.

The minister also announced plans to set up a pasteurisation unit in Wallerfield to assist goat farmers in their production of milk. Maharaj said the programme involves the ministry’s agencies and support services going to the farmers. He said his ministry plans to deal with several issues affecting farmers, including regularisation of leases. In the last two years, 1,000 leases had been renewed and the ministry is fast tracking the process, he said.