Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 02, 2006: The new agro-processing center at Needsmust has the potential of promoting entrepreneurship and stimulating the economy.
This is according to the Director of Agriculture Dr. Jerome Thomas who was at the opening of the new center on Wednesday. He defined agro-processing as the turning of primary agricultural products into other commodities for market which has the potential of providing alternative economic opportunities. Dr. Thomas emphasized that this is of special interest to persons who have been displaced by the closure of the sugar industry. He said the overall potential of agro-processing is extensive as it reduces wastage, enhances food security, improves livelihoods for low income groups and empowers single women who are quite often the heads of households.
Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency John Liu congratulated the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission for their collaboration in the opening of the agro-processing centre and the training that is undertaken there. He explained that the progress being made is a matter of pride for his government.
Ambassador Liu said that over the past two decades his government has assisted with agricultural development which has played an important role in the Federation's development. He said the training facility will help enhance the agricultural sector. He said it was his desire that more and more Kittitians and Nevisians join the training courses which will be held regularly.
The President of the Farmer's Cooperative Mrs. Adina Nisbett said that with the Federation's increased regional and international activities, there are multiple opportunities for farmers to make use of the agro-processing center.
She made mention of the recently held One Day International cricket match and invited fellow farmers to imagine the possibility of selling a large amount of dehydrated or processed products to the large crowd.
Minister of Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Consumer Affairs Honourable Cedric Liburd also addressed the gathering at the opening ceremony.
