Agriculture Ministry establishes hotline to engage farmers in light of COVID-19
Ministry of Agriculture
Press Release
August 14, 2020
To carry out its mandate, while adhering to national COVID19 guidelines, the Ministry of Agriculture has established a hotline where farmers can communicate with officers about issues they are facing.
Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, said that while he prefers to be out meeting farmers and addressing their issues directly, the current situation will see his office putting additional measures in place to interact with farmers.
“The coronavirus is no joke. We must take every precaution imaginable. My focus remains to ensure our farmers are taken care of, and their issues are addressed. COVID will not stop this [PPP/C] Government from ensuring we serve our people. We have a responsibility, and the job has to be done and done right, so my Ministry is putting systems in place to ensure farmers’ needs are met,” Minister Mustapha said.
The Minister also said that while he desires to meet with as many farmers as possible, the health of Ministry officials, and farmers, remain a top priority. He further stated that he will continue meeting with farmers, but in smaller groups.
Since taking office, the subject Minister has had several meetings with farmers and other stakeholders. Although COVID19 guidelines, such as social distancing, temperature checks, wearing masks and washing and sanitising hands are requirements for staff and other persons visiting the Agri-Ministry, another avenue to liaise with farmers was devised.
Following the recent COVID-19 diagnosis of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Hugh Todd, Government Ministers have been tasked with taking extra precaution while carrying out their respective functions.
Persons can call or send a message to 694-6978 if they have concerns or issues that are agriculture-related. The information will be filtered to the relevant agency and addressed as soon as possible. Accompanying photos can also be sent through WhatsApp.