BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, through the Ministry of Agriculture, launched its brand new Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and ensure that the Federation attains its ambitious 25 by 2025 Agenda of reducing its food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.
Special Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ashton Stanley stated that through meticulous testing and experimentation, the ministry will endeavour to uncover innovative solutions to address the pressing issues affecting farmers today.
“From disease resistance to resource utilization, this crop testing facility will be our flagship for reshaping the future of agriculture,” Dr. Stanley said.
“Our lab will play a pivotal role in monitoring and evaluating plant performance, resilience against pest and disease and the impact of climate change on crops. This enhances our ability to conduct field and border surveillance which positions our country at the forefront of proactive agricultural management, guarding against the infiltration of exotic pests and diseases that can threaten our crops.”
Director of Agriculture, Jeanelle Kelly described Friday’s launch as a milestone in the history of the Department of Agriculture, particularly as it relates to addressing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures in St. Kitts and Nevis.
SPS measures refer to quarantine and biosecurity measures, which are applied to protect human, animal or plant life or health from risks arising from the introduction, establishment and spread of pests and diseases and from risks arising from additives, toxins and contaminants in food and feed.
“All countries maintain measures to ensure that food is safe for consumers and prevent the spread of pests or diseases among animals and plants. …With the launch of this lab, we are now in a better position to develop and implement national SPS Measures concerning plant health. As pest surveillance and diagnostics go hand in hand, we are on track for adhering to the scientific approach which is the basis for SPS Measures,” Director Kelly stated, while emphasising that St. Kitts and Nevis is now in a better position to protect its borders from plant pests.
Meanwhile, the Minister responsible for Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins said the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory aligns perfectly with the full vision of the ministry “because we must be able to apply the science to every single decision.”
“This is transformation, this is driving a new era in agriculture and this is what I was tasked to do, and I am happy to stand here and say we are well on the way to accomplishing our vision,” said Minister Duggins, also revealed plans by the ministry to also launch a veterinary laboratory shortly.
The new Plant Diagnostic Laboratory will be headed by Agronomist Yushaner Jeffers.