CABINET NOTES: Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to national food security and agricultural expansion following the successful implementation of its policy decision, taken several months ago, to repossess unused and non-performing agricultural lands.

Minister for Agriculture, Anthony Smith, reported to Cabinet that to date, the Ministry of Agriculture has repossessed approximately 150 acres of farmland that were previously underutilized or not in active production. This decisive action forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to increase domestic food production, reduce import dependence, and place productive lands into the hands of committed and capable farmers.

During this week’s Cabinet meeting, the Minister for Agriculture presented recommendations for the immediate reallocation of a portion of the recovered lands. Cabinet agreed to commit 75 acres of the repossessed acreage specifically to youth and women farmers as part of a targeted empowerment and agricultural development initiative.

This allocation underscores the Government’s recognition of the critical role that young people and women play in modernizing and sustaining the agricultural sector. By expanding access to arable land, Cabinet aims to create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, increase output, and stimulate rural economic activity.

The Ministry of Agriculture will issue rental agreements to the selected farmers, ensuring structured and accountable use of the lands. Performance assessments will be conducted, and once positive production benchmarks are met, longer-term lease arrangements will be granted. This approach ensures that land distribution remains merit-based, productivity-driven, and aligned with national agricultural priorities.

Cabinet emphasized that land is a strategic national asset and must be actively cultivated in the interest of food security, economic resilience, and national development.

The Government remains resolute in its efforts to strengthen local food systems, support performing farmers who require additional acreage, and create pathways for the next generation of agricultural leaders.