Farmers from Depot Road in Longdenville, Chaguanas, are calling on the relevant authorities to assist them, as they are currently facing several issues which are affecting their ability to produce, including an infestation of the troublesome African Giant Snail and the dumping of garbage in the area.
President of the farmers’ association in the area, Christine Balchan-Ramchatesingh, told the Guardian Media that they farm on 172 acres of land and produce crops such as pimentos, papaya, sweet potatoes, plantains and other vegetables.
Balchan-Ramchatesingh noted that when she became president, she and her team identified a number of issues to be placed on the front burner for the betterment of the farmers, including accessing a pipe-borne water supply, which was a major impediment to some of the farmers increasing their productivity.
“We made application numerous times to the relevant authorities; it is still pending. The dumping of garbage has never ceased even though the councillor, Ryan Rampersad, helped, placed signs and reported it,” Balchan-Ramchatesingh said.
”Giant African snails are now in the farmers’ gardens and covering almost the entire community and damaging crops. Chemicals and fertilisers are not affordable anymore.”
She said farming is the “bread and butter” for the majority of the community and feared that if the snails get the better of them, many people will not be able to feed their families.
“What will the farmers do? We’re seeking help from the Ministry of Agriculture to help eradicate these pests,” she said. She also noted that the only source of water from an agricultural pond used for domestic use and farming is now covered with silt and grass.
“We contacted the ministry and they said they are working on it. However, this has been so for a number of years.”
She also said the road conditions are very deplorable and becoming impassable for the farmers, making it hard to transport their goods out of the community. A ministry official who wished not to be identified confirmed that they are aware of the issues. “We are aware of the issues plaguing the area and a few field visits already happened so the Ministry is looking into it,” the official said.