THE MINISTRY of Agriculture, which has now been given the Land portfolio, has received a 58 per cent increase in the budgetary estimates currently being debated in Parliament.
In the estimates of expenditure presented in Parliament on April 12, the ministry has been allocated $3.8 billion. A breakdown of the estimated budget shows that just over $332.8 million is to be spent on executive direction and administration of the ministry. This is $50.4 million more than the $282.4 that was spent in the same area in the last financial year.
$1.73 BILLION
A total of $1.73 billion has been projected to be spent on agricultural projects in the ministry, an increase of $4.1 million when compared with the allocation for the last financial year. Of this amount $14.19 million will be spent on training for farmers, an increase of $11,000 from the previous year.
The ministry has been allocated $154.15 million for spending on research and development, up from $144.67 million, and $58.15 million for spending on crop and livestock development, $6.72 million more than in the last financial year.
WILDLIFE AND FORESTRY
The estimated budget for the Forestry and Wildlife Department has been increased to $45.5 million, while an extra $300,000 will be spent on irrigation. The Veterinary Services Department's estimated budget has also been increased to $81.9 million from $78.05 million. The Fisheries Division has been allocated an estimated $89.9 million, approximately $100,000 more than the sum received in the last financial year. An additional $9 million has been approved for spending on agricultural extension services, increasing the allocation to 434.5 million.
In the meantime, the ministry has been allocated an estimated $110.68 million for spending on geological and geotechnical regulatory services and land use planning and development.
EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
The remaining estimated $1.8 billion is to go to employee compensation, travel expenses and subsistence; property, machinery and equipment rental; public utilities; purchasing of goods, services and equipment; grants and contributions, lands and structures.
