CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - IN light of the effects caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic, which started last year, the Ministry of Agriculture on Nevis will be using the month of May to draw more attention to food security on the island.
Nevis has kick-started the Agriculture Month on the island and the Minister with Responsibility for the sector, Alexis Jeffers reminded that over the last 20 months the Ministry of Agriculture would have assisted every sub-sector of farming with various inputs and more assistance could be expected for farmers there.
With the theme for the month being “Eat Locally Boost Immunity”, the Minister pointed out that it has drawn parallels to the current pandemic and the knowledge that “once you consume nutritionally rich foods, our bodies will be fortified to combat not only COVID-19 but most other conditions that affect us”.
“This theme is also done with the wider understanding and knowledge that agriculture and food supply initiatives must be done in synchronicity with health and wellness goals of our country. The theme and aim are not merely for people to be healthy. We want persons to be productive members of the Nevisian community,” added Jeffers.
With the local Ministry providing more assistance to farmers on the island, Jeffers asserted that it has resulted in increased availability of locally produced items.
At that stage, he called on all to keep the momentum, “as the goal is to eliminate in some cases the importation of fresh food items and in other cases to significantly reduce”.
To celebrate Agriculture Awareness Month, a number of activities have been scheduled to inspire support for the sector.
“We will start with a Farmers’ Market on Friday, May 7. There will be a Livestock Farmer’s Outreach activity, the launch of a Vet Services Infomercial. There will be a sale on Market Street in Charlestown. We will also see a Banana Management Workshop being held. The commissioning of a new chill facility at Prospect, a Farmers and Staff Awards Ceremony to close out the month, plus many more activities,” the Minister said.
