THE EDITOR, Sir:
RECENTLY, THE Minister of Information reported that preliminary data presented to Cabinet, indicated that domestic agricultural production during 2001 had increased by 7.6 per cent.
Mr. Editor, I do not know how this figure is arrived at, seeing that domestic consumption cannot be accurately quantified. However, as a suffering farmer, I would like to know how does praedial larceny factor into this equation? Were it not for the parasitic and predatory habits of a sizeable number of our population, I feel positive that we could at least record a 12 per cent increase in domestic agricultural production.
I also feel quite certain, that curtailing the travelling of the RADA officers, has not help in any way to boost production.
Also, I am deeply concerned about the apathetic and feeble attempts being made by the Government to help farmers rid themselves of this scourge which has descended upon us like a swarm of locusts.
Putting Agricultural Wardens and District Constables to sit behind a desk at police stations is not the answer.
They should be made to work in their communities and adapt a hands-on policy. Their visible presence, would act as a deterrent. But maybe just maybe, predation is the alternative to state provided employment.
I am, etc.,
A.S. JACKSON
Chapelton
Clarendon
