Growing Monkey population frustrates Nevis farmers
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Director of Agriculture Kelvin Daly
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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – WHILE the Department of Agriculture has made major strides in encouraging farmers to produce bumper crops, the Nevis Director of Agriculture, Kelvin Daly, said yesterday that monkeys and stray animals remain a major menace.
“It is a huge problem,” Daly said. He was at the time addressing a relatively large gathering at the opening ceremony of the 14th Annual Agricultural Open Day, organised by the Department of Agriculture.
He said the menace posed by the monkeys and the stray animals had prompted the Department to seek expert advice on how to address the issue at a National Consultation on Animal and Pests Control to be held in the near future.
The Director said despite the challenges presented by the uncontrolled animals, the agricultural sector was thriving. He said Nevis has been self-sufficient in the production of pumpkin, cabbage and green peppers. He informed that recently pumpkin had been exported to Dominica and golden apples and mangoes are exported when in season to St. Maarten. Daly also said by 2010 Nevis will not be importing bananas and plantains. ~~Adz:Right~~
The Director noted that 120 acres have been utilised as new farm lands in Indian Castle and Cades Bay areas. He said although the staff at the Agriculture Department was not properly remunerated they were determined to ensure that there were enough food supplies.
Daly declared that the lack of capital resources did not allow his Department to fulfil all of its set goals.
