BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with the Republic of China (Taiwan) is promoting the large-scale production of Dragon Fruit on St. Kitts and Nevis, which has the potential for economic profit.
More than a dozen farmers were at the Taiwanese Demonstration Farm at the Kim Collins Highway yesterday (Jul. 27) for the launch of a Pitaya (Dragon Fruit) Fertilizing Management Workshop.
Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency Chiou Gow-Wei said the workshop is the result of a request made by Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Eugene Hamilton to identify and introduce a plant/fruit to local farmers which is capable of providing “sustained economical profit”.
He said the Dragon Fruit was found to be most suitable because the monkeys – which have long targeted and destroyed the crops of farmers – do not take to or have a liking for the Dragon Fruit, and the plants’ lifespan of more than 20 years among others.
The Ambassador explained that the Dragon Fruit can be harvested one year after planting and once the plants are properly cared for, they yield several times during the April – October harvesting period.
More than 300 plants were made available for the farmers to take to begin their crop and the Ambassador expressed his hope that St. Kitts and Nevis would be able to not only satisfy local demand but would become the sole provider of the Dragon Fruit within the region.
Minister Hamilton said last year when he first tasted the Dragon Fruit at the Eco Park in Newton Ground, he was instantaneously sold on the idea of wide-spread production of the “delicacy”.
“…When I sat in the office for the first time last year, and was able to visit the Eco Park, I got an experience that sold me the concept that we must engage our farmers in the production of the Dragon Fruit. I had never had the Dragon Fruit before…and at the Eco Farm when I had (it), I thought so why is this delicious, why is this delicacy not being farmed more in the country of St. Kitts and Nevis and I said to the Ambassador then, ‘we need to share this across the country and perhaps across the world’.
He said he had learnt that the fruit has nutritional value including that it is low in cholesterol, its sugar content is low and it is high in fiber and antioxidants.
Farmers were given a demonstration on proper cultivation of the plant and samples of the fruit - which were taken from the Eco Park - were distributed for tasting.
