In a decisive move to enhance national food security, the Cabinet has mandated that all leased farmlands left unused must be brought into production within 30 days or face reassignment to active farmers. This directive, announced by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing, underscores the government’s urgency to boost domestic agricultural output amidst growing geopolitical tensions in regional waters. Merchant emphasized that the initiative is not punitive but a necessary step to mitigate the risks posed by the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, which account for approximately 90% of the food supply. The government is particularly concerned about potential disruptions to shipping routes due to military activities involving Venezuela and the United States in nearby waters. To enforce the directive, the Ministry of Agriculture’s dedicated unit will monitor compliance, inspect leased plots, and report findings to senior officials and Minister Anthony Smith, who will oversee enforcement. In addition to reclaiming idle land, the Cabinet has instructed the ministry to accelerate support measures for active farmers, including fencing to prevent theft, expanded nursery production, wider seedling distribution, new wells and dams, improved farm lighting, better access roads, and fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk. The government also plans to engage with farmers weekly, starting with a meeting next week, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen domestic food resilience and ensure the nation is better equipped to withstand external shocks.