Agriculture Sector showcased at TIC
NAMDEVCO in
collaboration with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and National Agro Chemicals
Limited (NACL) mounted a display booth entitled the Agri-Tunnel at the recently
concluded Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2007 – May 16th to 19th
at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.
The theme of
the booth was “A Competitive Agricultural Sector: Toward National Food and Nutritional
Security.” This theme was brought to
life by the various participating agencies showing how technology, marketing and
finance can come together to make the agri-food sector competitive.
The Agri Tunnel was judged the “Best of TIC 2007” – Exhibitor Award
for a Large Exhibit.
In TIC there were over 235
booths showcasing the service and manufacturing sector in
Trinidad and
Tobago
along with displays from approximately sixteen other countries.
The TIC is a joint project of the
Trinidad and
Tobago
Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Royal Bank of
Trinidad and
Tobago
(RBTT) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).
NAMDEVCO’s display focused
on fresh produce harvested from certified farms and the different marketing opportunities available to agri-entrepreneurs (local, export and value added markets).
Visitors to the booth were also encouraged to interact with the National
Agricultural Market Information System which was presented via the touch screen
kiosk.
The Corporation is currently
following up on enquiries received for technical and marketing assistance.
The Agri- Tunnel was unique
in that it was the only display that focused on agriculture.
The Tunnel was actually part of an actual greenhouse set up by
NACL, 40 ft wide by 30ft long in floor area and stood 17 ft high.
NACL showcased the various components of the green house built from a galvanize
pipe frame, enclosed with a polyethylene covering, complete with live plants supported
by a trellis
system and drip irrigation.
The ADB promoted its loans
and comprehensive support services, in particular, the “Cash Undercover” package.
Demonstrations for a kitchen garden
were given along with vegetable seedlings to all booth visitors courtesy the ADB
and the Ministry
of Agriculture, Lands and Marine Resources.