Grenada to provide agriculture, livestock assistance to SVG

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Government of Grenada will be providing much-needed assistance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the area of agriculture and livestock, as that sector has been decimated by the ongoing volcanic eruption in the southern section of the island.
 
Crops have been destroyed while livestock was lost due to the conditions that were caused by the ash-fall from La Soufriere Volcano that began erupting on April 9.
 
Peter David, Granada’s Minister of Agriculture, explained that the sector would seek to increase the level of output to assist the neighbouring island.
 
During a press conference yesterday (Apr. 21), David revealed that after having a meeting with persons in the affected territory, a request was made for products from his territory to assist those who are suffering.
 
Against that backdrop, the Ministry has activated a process that would result in increased production. 

“We have also been working closely with the Marketing and Import Board because that would be a key component, and we also have to work with the farmer's organisations,” David said.
 
He stated that his Ministry would not be doing all the heavy work with regards the production, instead, it would be the farmers that would have to increase their production and the Marketing and Import Board would be responsible for distributing the produce.
 
Reminding that SVG is best known for its root crops production, Dasheen and Tania would be short in supply due to the damage in the island, and Grenadians would begin the assistance programme by using the current crops to satisfy the local market while servicing the sister island.
 
With reference to livestock, the Minister was more direct in describing the state of affairs on the island, when he asserted that there is a shortage of feed on the island
 
He informed that following the necessary checks and balances, several cattle and livestock would be flown to SVG to integrate them within the local sector.
 
All of this comes at a time when member states of the Caribbean Community and international partners have come forward to assist the affected territory.