BASSETERRE, St Kitts - PRIME MINISTER and of Minister Finance the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzel Douglas said that the Agriculture Sector is continuing to produce positive outlook for the country’s economy.
Dr. Douglas made this pronouncement in the Federal Parliament during his Budget Presentation on Tuesday (Dec. 9).
In his address, Dr. Douglas outlined areas in which the agriculture sector has made significant strides over the last two fiscal years, but most noticeably in 2013.
He added that the government’s goal is not only to have food security in this sector but also to protect the land, the environment and live stock which could only be done through proper technical works.
“Mr. Speaker, agriculture continues to have an important role in the development and transformation of our economy. However, the impact of this sector is not confined to the parameters of ensuring food security and employment, but extends to the conservation of the environment.
“Therefore, the growth within this sector must be sustainable through the integration of techniques and processes used in crop cultivation, livestock farming and marine resource management,” the Prime Minister said.
He also said that his government, through the Agriculture Department, would seek to “ensure that output in the sector is enhanced while reducing the real risks of land degradation, depletion of water resources and soil nutrients, contamination of the soil, potable and coastal waters, destruction of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and food loss.”
To this end, he noted that the Agriculture Department is not only focusing its attention on high production outputs in the sector, but to also have consideration for environmental standards.
He stressed that the Agriculture Department would take action to promote growth and protect the environment, which in turn would facilitate continued productive use of resources and promote the well-being of the people of the Federation.
“Therefore, in terms of development of the Agriculture Sector, we have adopted an approach that facilitates growth while implementing sound environmental management practices that will redound to the benefit of the sector and well-being of our people.”
He declared that his government is seeking to use new technologies in the fight against climate change and food security in the Federation, which is a critical area the government has promoted over the years.
“In this regard, during 2013 this government, through the Agriculture Resource Management Project (ARMP), facilitated the expansion of the use of shade houses by constructing an additional 11, bringing the total to 18. We intend to continue the use of this method as a means of providing a controlled environment in which crops can be propagated year round, notwithstanding changes in weather patterns.”
The Finance Minister added that he cognisant of the tremendous benefits that ccould be derived from continued use of agro-processing.
“Our Agro-processing Industry continues to expand by leaps and bounds, which is a testimony to the commitment and confidence that this government has shown in its development. This niche market provides an opportunity to assist in the reduction of poverty through employment generation, the creation of sustainable livelihood and the preservation of our cultural heritage while addressing food security through the reduction of food losses, increased food availability and improved access to food.”
Even though agriculture has been a mainstay in the local economy after closure of the sugar industry, the Prime Minister stressed that there still need for diversification in the sector which must be done in a holistic manner to protect the ecosystem so that the government could explore new avenues to advance agriculture production in the Federation.
