Programme Launched To Boost Production Of Soybeans, Corn And Black eyed Beans
« A strategic turning point in the evolution of agriculture in our beloved twin island. »
This is how Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram described the launch of the Pilot Programme for Soybean, Corn and Black-eyed Bean Production on Thursday.
He said the importation of soybeans, corn and black-eyed beans costs the country hundreds of millions of dollars each year, and the pilot programme aims to help T&T transition from import dependence to local production.
« It is about national self-determination. This Ministry has made deliberate decisions to address
that vulnerability through targeted, high-impact interventions. The pilot initiative we launched today is one of such interventions. »
Minister Ratiram said the selection of soybeans, corn, and black-eyed beans was very strategic.
« Soybean is a critical industrial crop. Its dual output of soybean oil for human consumption and soybean meal for animal feed places it at the centre of both food and livestock values. Local production represents a direct intervention in a system that’s historically been entirely import-driven. Corn is equally significant. »
Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath said his Ministry is eagerly awaiting the results of this trial, as significant amounts of peas and beans are used in the School Feeding Programme.
« One hundred thousand pounds of peas and beans are used yearly in the School Feeding Programme. That 100,000 pounds of peas are imported and, as the Minister of Trade would have indicated, we are looking at import substitution. So today is not just about planting crops. Today is about planting direction. »
Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr. Rishad Seecheran praised the initiative, saying the combination of these three crops supports a balanced and health-promoting diet.
He noted that diets rich in legumes are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
« Black-eyed peas, soybeans are excellent sources of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, as well as
essential micronutrients such as iron, folate, and potassium. Soybeans are rich in complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids, making them valuable in reducing our dependence on animal protein. Corn provides carbohydrates for energy, as long as fibre, B vitamins, antioxidants, as well as it supports eye health. »
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West, Dr. Neil Colin Gosine, said he is proud that an initiative of this scale is taking place in his region.
« Our communities have always had a strong agricultural heritage, and projects like these help modernise and strengthen the legacy for future generations. »
Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj said his Ministry stands ready to play its role in the initiative.
« Our role is to position Trinidad and Tobago as a manufacturing base as well as the business, trade, and financial hub of the Americas. As production expands, it must be supported by marked confidence, stronger standards, and clear routes to commercial viability. »
The pilot programme targets the cultivation of soybeans, corn, and black-eyed beans, priority crops identified for their high potential in import substitution, agro-processing, and integration into national feeding programmes.
