AGRICULTURE Minister Kazim Hosein has urged Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS) officers to be kind and understanding to farmers, as they do their work.

Hosein spoke at a ceremony at the ministry in Chaguanas on July 30 to hand over four new vehicles to the PLS.

He said, "The increase in our fleet of vehicles represents a major step forward in our efforts to protect our farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector. With these new vehicles, we aim to improve patrol visibility, reduce response times and restore a sense of safety and security among our farming communities."

Hosein told PLS officers praedial larceny is one of many challenges farmers face as they strive to put food on tables.

Against this background, he urged them to be understanding about the stress farmers endure should they become victims of praedial larceny.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Avinash Singh and Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher also attended.

In his address to PLS officers, Hinds said, "The handover of these much-needed vehicles highlights an all-of-government approach that not only secures the agricultural sector but also contributes to the safety and security of the entire country."

The addition of these vehicles has increases the PLS fleet to nine vehicles.

Scotland welcomed them, saying they will help to better protect the agricultural sector.

In a statement, the ministry said this enhancement will significantly boost the squad’s efficiency.

With improved mobility, the ministry continued, the PLS can now respond more swiftly to incidents, make more frequent patrols and cover more areas.

"This increased capability will not only help prevent and address cases of praedial larceny more effectively but also provide farmers and our farming communities with greater reassurance and support."

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