Published 11 October 2024
Buckie Got It
St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL TEAM VISITS FARMERS IN DISTRICT 2 TO ASSESS PROGRESS TOWARDS 25 BY 25 AGENDA TARGET
(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 11 October 2024):
In a critical step toward advancing the country’s 25 by 25 Agenda, a technical team from the Department of Agriculture St. Kitts embarked on a comprehensive visit to farmers in District 2, ranging from Ottley’s to Parsons Village on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s ambitious goal to reduce food imports by 25% by the year 2025.
The visit was spearheaded by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. Alphonso Clarke, alongside several key figures from the Department of Agriculture. Joining him were the Head of the Crops Program, Mr. Ian Chapman, Marketing Manager, Ms. Alicia Whyte, and Extension Officers, Mr. Mark Adams and Mr. Leroy Merritt.
The team’s collective expertise was on full display as they toured several farms owned by Valmon Williams, Neal Mitchelle, Evan Daniel, Delverne Patrick, Troy Flanders, Alphonso Carey, Juliean Browne, Javid Percival, Wilmoth Mitchum and Cecil Augustus who are on track to meet the 25 by 25 target. These farmers received vital support from the Department of Agriculture in the form of seedlings for crops such as cabbage, tomato, sweet pepper, and watermelon. The seedlings, which were distributed between August and September this year, were given to boost production and support the farmers’ efforts to increase the local supply of fruits and vegetables.
During the visit, the technical team reviewed the progress of the crops, provided guidance to farmers, and gathered feedback on their challenges and successes. The ongoing support is aimed at helping farmers optimize their yields, adopt sustainable practices, and maintain consistent production levels, all of which are crucial to the success of the 25 by 25 Agenda.
Mr. Alphonso Shawn Clarke emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that “the farmers’ efforts represent significant strides in boosting local food security and reducing dependency on imported produce”. He further reiterated the Department’s commitment to providing the necessary technical and logistical support to farmers in achieving the targets set by the agenda.
This field visit signals the Department’s proactive approach to ensuring that the agriculture sector continues to thrive and contribute significantly to national food security. These visits will continue on a weekly basis in Districts 1 and 3 over the next few weeks.
Field officers will continue monitoring progress, addressing issues, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned toward the shared goal of food sustainability for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
