MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts:
In addressing the challenges faced in sweet potato production in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources has taken proactive steps to collaborate with international agricultural organisations to revitalise this essential crop. Farmers have faced significant losses and inconsistencies in their sweet potato yields in recent years, prompting the Ministry to seek partnerships with the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).
Sweet potatoes are a vital staple for local farmers and a beloved crop by consumers. However, disease-related challenges have affected yields, resulting in reduced incomes for farmers and posing a threat to food security. To tackle these issues, the Ministry, under the leadership of Permanent Secretary Miguel Flemming, is ramping up research efforts to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of sweet potato production in St. Kitts and Nevis.
During a recent visit to the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru on September 27, 2024, while attending the 69th International Whaling Commission (IWC69), Permanent Secretary Flemming initiated discussions on collaborative efforts to develop disease-free nurseries for sweet potatoes. This partnership will focus on introducing new variety trials as well as enhancing the resilience of existing varieties that are popular with consumers. The goal is to find a sustainable solution that will help farmers overcome the current challenges and continue thriving in their sweet potato production.
The Ministry’s partnership with CIP will focus on training farmers, strengthening capacity, and enhancing laboratory efforts to better detect and manage sweet potato diseases. This effort will contribute to establishing disease-free nurseries, which are crucial for maintaining a consistent and healthy supply of sweet potato crops.
In addition to his work with CIP, Permanent Secretary Flemming held important discussions with Mr. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of CARDI. Mr. Hosein expressed CARDI’s commitment to supporting St. Kitts and Nevis by increasing research and development in sweet potato cultivation. CARDI’s involvement will ensure that local farmers have access to the latest agricultural innovations, pest and disease management strategies, and resilient sweet potato varieties.
With the combined expertise of CIP and CARDI, the Ministry of Agriculture is optimistic about the future of sweet potato farming in St. Kitts and Nevis. These partnerships not only promise to address the current issues but also aim to create a foundation for long-term success in sweet potato production.
By investing in research and working with international agricultural bodies, St. Kitts and Nevis is demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding its agricultural sector and ensuring that farmers continue to prosper from their hard work. As these collaborations take shape, the Ministry is confident that sweet potatoes will remain a staple crop for the country’s food security and agricultural economy.