Praedial Larceny Pilot Project Launched in Mabouya Valley
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Tuesday, 11 March 2008 – A pilot project recently launched in three of the island’s agricultural communities is expected to help deal with the high rate of praedial larceny on the island.
The initiative launched in the Mabouya Valley last week, has taken on board the assistance of the police. Several Special Police Constables have been employed to assist the community in the fight against the scourge.
Project Coordinator Francis Blanchard says the theft of farmers produce is affecting their ability to stay in the industry and that something drastic had to be administered.
“For a long time farmers have been crying out. Apart from facing challenges externally and with other institutions, most of all, they are faced with challenges right on their farms. And it has nothing to do with the weather or lack of inputs, but rather unauthorized persons harvesting their produce even before the farmers come out to harvest,” he lamented.
Agriculture Minister Honourable Ezechiel Joseph says farmers in due time, will rest easy knowing there are now police officers directly looking after their interest. Minister Joseph, who himself is a farmer, says he too has been affected by the theft of his produce, sometimes not even ready for harvesting.
He says the normal court system is failing the farming community, with cases going on for extended periods, by which time the evidence, the stolen agricultural produce, has rotted.
“We are looking at a special court to expedite the process so farmers can get the encouragement they need as quickly as possible. I want to say to the police that they can’t do it on their own but we need them to come on board with us.”
The minister says the problem can only be addressed with the support of all stakeholders, and so called on farmers to ensure they do not harbour or protect persons who are responsible for such behaviours. |
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