Agriculture Ministry pledges support for thrust
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH farmers continuing in their efforts to promote food security within the Federation, the Ministry of Agriculture has recommitted itself in support of these endeavours.
Recently, Senior Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, who holds responsibility for the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a speech informing of a week of activities complementing the observance of World Food Day (Oct. 16).
In that speech, Dr. Harris provided a brief report on the Federation’s strides for food security, noting that vegetable and fruit production increased by six percent during January – August 2011 over the same period last year.
He indicated that egg production “increased 10 percent from 2,671,000 eggs to 2,938,600 in 2011. Livestock declined 11 percent from 263,340 lbs (in 2010) to 234,366 lbs in 2011.
“Fish landings from January to August increased dramatically by 27 percent...bringing incomes of $5.1 million to fishers versus $3.8M earner over the comparative period in 2010. A dramatic 30 percent increase in snappers caught accounted for significantly improved performance by fisheries subsector.”
The Agriculture Minister indicated that “for a credible performance” during that period, “commendations are due to our fishers and farmers”.
“I thank all the farmers and fishers for their ongoing efforts to make our country a food secure nation. I thank all who have supported our farmers, fishers and agri-business in our country.”
Expressing that these results have proven a source of encouragement to the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Harris briefly outlined his Ministry’s plans in support of this thrust towards achieving food security within the Federation.
He said the support which would be provided is built on the realisation that “the seeds of the global volatility in food prices lay in our collective failure to invest consistently in research, technology and infrastructure.”
These points of support include investment in agricultural technology, the promotion of breadfruit and rabbit production, providing farmers with the costing of their produce and the improvement of marketing supporting infrastructure.
• The development of green houses and watershed management systems will continue in 2012. Three (3) greenhouses will be provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, while two (2) greenhouses will be made available to students in our secondary schools who are pursuing agriculture.
• Develop a gear shop at the Fisheries Complex to make fisheries appliances and support more easily available and at affordable prices.
• Sponsor ongoing training and capacity building for fishers and farmers. I must thank the government of Brazil for the recent attachments granted to our farmers, allowing them to travel to Brazil on learning tours.
• Mobilize stakeholder community such as IICA, FAO, CARDI, and ROC to provide technical assistance and support to farmers and fishers and our extension officers.
• Encourage development of farmers groups, cooperatives and associations to provide solidarity, support and effective organization by farmers and fishers.
