BASSETERRE St. Kitts, 12th April 2011 - The St Kitts and Nevis economy continues to be positively impacted by the agricultural sector. Commenting on the release of the 2010 agriculture statistics, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris said that he was satisfied that agriculture output in 2010 improved over 2009. 

Our farmers improved on the nation’s capacity to meet its food needs in a variety of fruits and vegetables.  According to statistics provided by the Director of Agriculture at the 2011 Agriculture Review and Planning Meeting, the country produced more in 2010 compared to 2009.  Outstanding results were achieved in the following:

Carrots        139600 kg       up 5% over 2009
Tomato        118900 kg      up 40% over 2009
Peanuts       56500 kg       up 61% over 2009
Pumpkin      200900 kg      up 65% over 2009
Pineapple    136000 kg      up 36% over 2009
Yam           26600 kg        up 48% over 2009

The 2010 statistics for pumpkin, pineapple and yams were the highest recorded production figures over the last eleven years, from 2000 to 2010.

Meantime, in 2010 the country produced the largest quantity of eggs on record for the period 2000-2010 with just over 4 million up 3.1 percent over 3.89 million eggs produced in 2011.

Dr Harris said the agricultural sector needed to target investments if it is to produce even more.  According to Dr Harris, the SIDF has made certain commitments to the sector, and should these commitments be realized a significant impact will be had.  The investments in watershed management including dams, irrigation, greenhouses, etc are some areas awaiting the release of funds from the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF).

Senior Minister Harris thanked the farmers for their work in feeding the nation and expressed the hope that they are earning profitable returns. Dr Harris also complimented the management and staff at the Department of Agriculture for their service to date.

The report from the Director of Agriculture was consistent with the reviews from the ECCB which has been reporting positive growth for the agricultural sector even as the economy contracted in 2010.

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