Last Updated on February 15, 2025, 6:46 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Minister Samal Duggins outlined some key components to increase the local food production to over $50 million that will represent a total of 25% of the food import bill. He said that increasing local food production will help profit local producers and that will lead to economic growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture also seeks to ensure long term food security and advance the resilience and sustainability of St Kitts and Nevis by increasing local food production.
Farm Tours and food security
Minister Duggins started his farm tours the previous week to promote agricultural development and help local farmers to access international markets. He visited both home-grown and natural farms and met the local farmers to discuss ways to advance their products.
Notably, the Ministry of Agriculture has been continuously working to ensure long-term food security by transforming food systems.
Focus on enhancement of local products
The key Components will mainly focus on increasing local productivity for crops that are staples like sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, onions, and watermelons. The Ministry of Agriculture will also work with more dedication to boost local farmers and the agricultural sector in the livestock industry.
To achieve this goal, the government will adopt measures to expand poultry, pork, and small sectors. They aim to reduce the meat imports with production of local crops to increase the export sector of St Kitts and Nevis.
Transformation of various sectors
The Ministry will transform the livestock industry by increasing production of crops important for advancing the agricultural sector by delivering farmers with efficient resources to increase their capacity of producing more crops.
The seafood industry of the fisheries sector will also get enhanced with investments in aquaculture and sustainable fishing with an aim to help farmers embrace innovation and create a future where they are dependent on themselves for food.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
