Minister Duggins Highlights Steps Taken to Address Challenges in The Agricultural Sector To Achieve Greater Levels Of Productivity
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) – The Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, stated that the ministry has made significant strides over the years to comprehensively tackle the various challenges that have hindered agricultural production and productivity in St. Kitts. These efforts span from the initial land preparation phase to the final stage of consumption and are aimed at transforming the agricultural sector in the Federation.
The minister was at the time addressing members of the media at his press conference on Friday, November 29, 2024. Joining him at the head table were permanent secretaries and directors across Honourable Duggins’ ministerial portfolio.
“We’ve analysed the challenges farmers are facing with land preparation, and we’ve sought to develop that; we’ve analysed the types of seeds they are planting and how the climate affects germination, growth and productivity, and we’ve sought to rectify any problems there; we’ve looked at the production challenges outside of the seedlings that farmers are having, and we’ve sought to rectify the challenges there,” said Minister Duggins.
One of the most significant challenges farmers faced was access to high-quality planting materials. To rectify this issue, the ministry imported hundreds of thousands of pineapple, banana and plantain slips and distributed them free of cost to farmers and backyard gardeners.
“We are also growing for our farmers tomatoes, melons and different types of seedlings, catering to different conditions such as drought tolerant, heat tolerant and other conditions that we’ve considered,” the minister added.
Beyond that, Minister Duggins said a concerted effort was made to improve the storage capacity on the island to reduce production loss and enhance the shelf life of produce. In addition, conversations continue with major retailers in St. Kitts and Nevis to buy more local produce.
“So everything from the land preparation through to the consumer, we’ve identified the challenges that the people are facing and look to resolve all challenges across the value chain, and I think that is the approach that would create sustainability and longevity in the sector,” said Minister Duggins.
The agriculture minister also highlighted several other achievements in the sector, including the opening of the Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery Facility at the Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence, which is expected to significantly boost local poultry production in St. Kitts and generate income for local farmers.