BTA2023 Trinidad and Tobago is set to reap the rewards of a growing partnership with Ghana, as the West African nation has gifted the country 10,000 yam seeds. This initiative, a direct outcome of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s visit to Ghana, is poised to enhance food security, promote healthier diets, and reduce the nation’s billion-dollar food import bill.
Speaking at the Tucker Valley Shade House in Chaguaramas, Prime Minister Rowley emphasized the significance of this agricultural boost, urging citizens to embrace locally grown produce over imported alternatives.
“We recently received 10,000 units of planting material for four varieties of yam from the Ghanaian authorities. Our goal is to multiply these varieties and integrate them into our farming community,” Dr. Rowley stated.
He highlighted how a shift toward homegrown staples like yams could gradually replace commonly imported foods such as white potatoes.
A Step Towards Food Independence
Dr. Rowley reminisced about his childhood in Tobago, where homegrown provisions played a central role in daily meals. He expressed confidence that reintroducing high-quality, locally grown yams would not only improve national diets but also drive economic benefits.
“While in Ghana, I had the opportunity to sample smooth, soft, and delicious white yams—an excellent alternative to the imported ‘Irish potatoes’ that dominate our plates. By embracing this shift, we can take a major step toward self-sufficiency,” he said.
The four varieties of yams will be cultivated across Trinidad and Tobago, with initial plantings already underway in western Tobago, Chaguaramas, and soon, Mason Hall. The first harvest is expected within six to nine months, after which experts will assess the best-growing conditions to guide future large-scale farming efforts.
Strengthening Agricultural Resilience
Beyond food security, the initiative aligns with Trinidad and Tobago’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign imports. Dr. Rowley stressed the need for citizens to support these efforts by consuming more locally grown produce.
“We want to grow what we eat and eat what we grow. This is the only way we can significantly impact our food import bill—by cultivating more and choosing to consume homegrown produce,” he urged.
Government officials, including Prime Minister-Designate Stuart Young, Minister of Agriculture Kazim Hosein, and Minister of Youth Development Foster Cummings, were present to support the initiative. Their involvement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
As Trinidad and Tobago embarks on this journey with Ghana’s support, the success of this initiative will depend on widespread adoption and a collective effort to embrace local food sources. The gift of 10,000 yam seeds is more than just an agricultural exchange—it’s a step toward a healthier, more independent future.
