FAO: Create environment for breadfruit, breadnut industry to thrive

By Andre Huie

Basseterre, St. Kitts: The enabling environment must be created for a breadfruit and breadnut industry to thrive in St. Kitts and Nevis. That was the view stressed by officials from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in a recent workshop held in St. Kitts to discuss strategies of developing a breadfruit and breadnut industry.

Heiko Bamman, Enterprise Development office of the FAO in Rome, speaking at the recent breadfruit and breadnut industry workshop at the Ocean Terrace Inn, stressed that the importance of making the industry profitable and to  grow income potentials. Meanwhile, Agro-industries officer of the FAO, Mr. Joseph Mpagalile spoke to participants on marketing their breadfruit and breadnut products including discussing the constraints and challenges.

Link: http://www.winnfm.com/news2.asp?NewsID=7886

Food Security Top Priority

Food Security Top Priority

 

Written by Loshaun DixonPosted On: Thursday, 15 December 2011Last Updated: Thursday, 15 December 2011

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Basseterre, St. Kitts-The achievement of food security in St. Kitts & Nevis is an important policy of the government, said The Prime Minister of the twin island nation, Dr. Denzil Douglas, during the recent presentation of the Federal Budget. 

Dr. Douglas said “The importance of achieving this goal is reinforced by the growing uncertainty in the global food market, which is characterized by successive episodes of natural disasters in the food producing regions of the world; increasing demands from expanding economies; increased use of biofuel technology and the associated upward pressure on prices.” 

Dr. Douglas outlined that it was just in October 2011, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that thirty-two (32) countries around the world will be in need of assistance, as a result of crop failures, natural disasters and high domestic food prices.  “However, I can confidently say to this Honourable House that we will not be among the countries in need of such assistance,” Dr. Douglas said. 

“Since the closure of the Sugar Industry in 2005, my Government has made agriculture a priority in the development agenda, by identifying the sector as one of the pillars of transformation, which would not only ensure food security, but also facilitate employment and revenue generation.  Considerable investment has been made to facilitate the expansion of the sector, through increased integration of new farming techniques and technologies and the creation of linkages with other sectors in order to reduce cost and maximize benefits.  During 2012 we intend to build on these efforts by emphasizing small and commercial scale farming, infrastructure, appropriate technology and training,” Douglas added.

 He continued, “Small-scale and commercial farming have both been used as a means of expanding the sector as we strive to meet domestic demand and capitalize on export opportunities.  During 2010, three (3) farmers were identified for the establishment of commercial farms which involve the cultivation of fifty (50) acres each.  We have also encouraged group-farming or the cluster farm model which was initiated under the Agricultural Training Employment Programme.  This programme targets former sugar workers who are interested in making a transition from the Sugar Industry to non-sugar agriculture.  I am pleased to report that this initiative has been successful, facilitating the establishment of four group farms in the areas of Sir Gilles, Belmont, West Farm and Mansion. We are also focusing on supporting the development of niche markets in the agro-processing sub-sector as this area provides a unique opportunity to develop an additional form of income generation, particularly for women, a means of reducing wastage and a building block for small business development. The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) has collaborated with the Department of Cooperatives to provide training, equipment and product development support in this area.  Further capacity building will be sought in order to facilitate quality assurance and sustainability.” 

Prime Minister Douglas also said the livestock sub-sector is facing challenges such as praedial larceny, high mortality, the high cost of feed and poor husbandry practices. These problems resulted in a 3.8% decline in output in 2010. Several initiatives have been implemented and will continue into 2012 to reverse this outcome. They include the growing, harvesting and storage of forage for use during the dry season as part of a strategy to deal with the cost of imported feed which has caused some livestock farmers to cease production as profit margins continued to narrow.

Newsflash:

• Yemen unity government named...

Timothy Harris in Discussions to Strengthen Agricultural Sector

 

Written by MiyVue.com Staff WriterPosted On: Wednesday, 07 December 2011

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(File Photo)

Basseterre, St. Kitts-Chairman of CARDI and Senior Minister in the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris recently concluded discussions with government officials in Trinidad & Tobago, exploring possible capacity building support from that country to St Kitts and Nevis.

 While in the twin-island republic, Dr. Harris, who is also the Minister responsible for Agriculture in St. Kitts, held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Vasant Bharath, Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.

Harris, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of CARDI was in the sister CARICOM State to fulfill a series of engagements on behalf of CARDI and his home government. 

In addition to meeting with Senator Vasant Bharath, he also was engaged in discussions with CARDI’s Executive Director, Dr Arlington Chesney, to discuss the financial situation of the premier agricultural research entity and to explore ways in which the government of Trinidad and Tobago can offer a financial respite. 

The meeting was described as productive.  Senator Bharat was supported in this meeting by Mrs. Edwina Leacock, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Food Production of Trinidad and Tobago and Yolande Agard Simmonds, Director of Communications in the Ministry of Food Production. 

Dr Harris was featured speaker at an Open Day event organized by CARDI under the theme “Improving Lives Through Agriculture Research”. 

The Open Day ceremony featured Dr Janet Lawrence, CARDI’s Representative, Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Oliver Aqui, President of Trinidad and Tobago Greenhouse Operators Association, Stephanie Elder-Alexander, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and the Vote of Thanks was given by Alexander Benn, National Coordinator of CFC Projects. 

The programme also offered tours of exhibition and field activities.

St. Kitts Business Update

St. Kitts Business Update (July 30th,2011)

By: Jenise Ferlance, SKNVibes Comments    0 Recommend    8 BASSETERRE St. Kitts – THE business of agriculture is fast becoming a thing of the future as economic hardship spirals on, and as small businesses continue to voice their struggles, big businesses continue to make a way to ease the burden on consumers. On that note, SKNVibes presents another edition of ‘Business Update’. SKNVibes has proven itself to be the number one as statistics publicised by Google’s International Search Engine revealed this News and Information website was the most visited and page-viewed site in St. Kitts and Nevis. Figures recorded for May, 2011, showed that SKNVibes had 120,000 unique visitors for the month while page views recorded were an astonishing 3.2 million. Total visits for the month of May climbed as high as 710,000 and visitors spent an average of 10 minutes on the site. Saturday (July 2), the Sandy Point Market will be celebrating one year since it was restored and The Sandy Point Agricultural Co-operative Society Ltd (SPACS) invites the general public to come on down, show some support and take advantage of the reduced prices, give-aways, and games such as ‘guess the weight’ as SPACS strives to bring fun and excitement to agriculture. FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK is currently inviting members of the public to nominate FirstCaribbean’s 2011 Unsung Heroes for the Federation. They remain dedicated to rewarding and recognising those residents of St. Kitts and Nevis who have made it their life’s work to give back to their community without expecting anything in return. The closing date for nominations is June 30, 2011. Forms are available at all FirstCaribbean branches, and on the Bank’s website www.firstcaribbeanbank.com. Today (June 30) the TDC GROUP OF COMPANIES will hold its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM), at the Fisherman’s Wharf in Fortlands, Basseterre. Shareholders are expected to receive the Directors Report, detailing the performance of the Group for the 2010/2011 fiscal year, declare a final dividend, elect Directors to replace those retiring by rotation, and confirm the appointment of a new Director. Other reports and reviews will be presented and immediately following will be the Annual recognition of staff members, the announcement of the winners of the Employee Excellence Awards and the Employee of the Year awards, where each winner will receive a cash prize and the coveted TDC, Jacques A. Crammer Award.  TDC’s summer sizzler continues where you get 15 percent off your purchase of two tyres and 20 percent off your purchase of 3 or more tyres. LIME is currently offering a free modem and free installation when you sign up for internet service on or before July 31 and pay just $75 plus VAT monthly for one year. On Friday (July 1), the ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD will mark the 15th anniversary of Self-Employed Coverage. The Board will engage in a number of activities during the month of July under the theme “Sustaining the Self-Employed through Guaranteed Benefits.” Throughout the month of July, Social Security staff will be engaged in on-site visits to organizations and individuals connected to self-employed persons as part of the on-going educational outreach of the Public Relations Department among other activities. The Furniture and Appliances Department of S.L HORFORDS & COMPANY LTD., continues its cash back promotion where consumers will receive cash back coupons for free groceries with every Higher Purchase made. Consumers will also be given a chance to win a free living room set, dining room set, bedroom set or a kitchen appliances package with every EC $100 spent. This promotion runs from June to December 2011. There you have it for this week’s Business Update. If you are interested in having your information featured in our weekly articles, be sure it is emailed toeditor@sknvibes.com Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/32143

First ever Tractorcade

On Saturday, April 2, it’s time to rev up the old engine and join in for the new, never-before-tried Tractorcade! Led by Mixklusiv International, Saturday’s street jam will pull together the idea of a motorcade and the centuries-old procession of the gang returning from a bountiful harvest - a festive mix you dare not miss! The colorful tractorcade will boast the best produce and animals from the community’s farmers and will spread the message ‘Buy Local, Eat Local’.



Junior SPIRIT also has an impressive, dangling prize for members who join the tractorcade in the wackiest Farmer Brown costume! Whether it be an overall, muddy boots or at simplest, a straw hat, make sure you come out and join in the fun! The event climaxes at the Sandy Point market for an afternoon of games, story telling and an open-air feast of local dishes. The event will also highlight a Farmers Recognition Award, in association with Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society (SPACS).

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183778801668508.41240.100001091679436&type=1
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Farmers fighting back

By Andre Huie WINN FM
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Sweet potato farmers are seeing a reduction in the infection of their crops by the sweet potato weevil. According to Mr. Eric Browne from the St. Kitts Agriculture Department, the farmers have been using baits in their fields to help trap the weevils before they begin infecting the crops.
             Mr. Browne explained how the sweet potato weevil trap is set. In August of this year a two-day workshop was held with sweet potato farmers in St. Kitts Nevis on how to deal with the sweet potato weevil, which has been an ongoing challenge to their crop production. Reports are that some farmers lose in excess of 75 percent or their entire crop of sweet potato to this pest.   Mr. Browne explained back then that farmers were urged to keep their farms clean of the weevil as it is damaging sweet potatoes across St. Kitts.  Removing potato crops infected by the weevil was also recommended, according to Mr. Browne said. He was not able to say at the time of the recent interview with WINN FM, by how much crop production has been restored since the sweet potato weevil baits have been used. (October 23, 2011)


Source: http://www.winnfm.com/news2.asp?NewsID=7568

Fighting For Food Security Film

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation – ACP/EU (CTA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company launched in July 2010. The main objective of this competition is to encourage the use of ICTs by young professionalism improving the environment for agricultural science and innovation in the Caribbean region. It encourages creative, technology savvy young professionals (persons 18-35 years) with a passion for communicating ideas and an interest in leveraging science and technology for agricultural and economic development to participate.

Eight countries submitted entries with Trinidad and Tobago proudly presenting 23 of the 39 entries. Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Haiti, Grenada and Suriname were among the other countries providing entries. “New technologies and Youth in Agriculture” is the category which was chosen by our group, and we were able to secure the 14th spot amongst the top 25 regional countries selected to compete in the finals of the film and video competition.

We were also fortunate enough to travel to Trinidad in December 2010 from the 14th to the 16th to take part in a video and film work shop and training session. We once again travel to Trinidad in August 2011 from the 22nd to the 25th to take part in the awards ceremony.

Although we were unable to win the competition the experience was life changing and we have certainly impacted our community in a positive way.We continue to use the techniques learnt to promote as well as build interest for agriculture within the tender minds of the youth. 

Below is a link to the final product of our video................ We do hope you enjoy......


Link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150613480280328&set=o.104005443000373&type=2&theater

No Markets to sell our Produce

No Markets to sell our Produce

Despite the incredible quality of vegetables grown locally our local farmers are still facing different levels of challenges. One type of such stumbling block is the inability of farmers to capitalize on the increasing popular markets in the tourism industry, via hotels, restaurants etc. Even when there are bands placed upon certain commodities that are flourishing within the federation, it is still difficult to convince hotels, restaurants and supermarkets owners to buy local produce. Most hotel, restaurant and supermarket owners complain that the inconsistency within the farming industry is detrimental to their businesses. Because most farmers operate on a rain fed system, if the rain fall is high in the rainy season he or she may be able to supply fresh fruits and vegetables in a somewhat consistent manner. This type of uncertainty creates doubt in the consumers mind and costumers are not willing to buy the farmer’s produce and lose out on the special deals from the overseas producers. Many farmers today are finding it more difficult now than ever, it is much hard to compete with the cost of imported vegetables. This is because the cost of farming inputs are raising constantly and in order for the farmer to cover his cost, the farmer then must raise the price of his produce in order to accomplish such. Yet the government is short coming with proper policies and incentives to truly help the farmer in his time of need.

The sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd saw the need for a marketing arm, thus the Sandy Point Market was reopened. The reopening of the market was one of their main goal, hence it was Saturday morning the 3^rd of July 2010 that vision became a reality, and the market is still operational one year later. It was due to the heart aching experiences, as we witness farmers compete for the limited markets in the rainy season when vegetables are more flourishing. It’s because we witnessed farmers experiencing great loss that we felt it was necessary to revive the Sandy Point Market to help ease the burden. But this measure is only a baby step in the long journey ahead, as we strive to guarantee our federation a sustainable agriculture. The lack of storage, both dry and cold makes it impossible for farmers to store his/her produce over long periods of time. This also prevents farmers from adopting the post harvest technique.

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With this access to the market, the members of our cooperative still face marketing and distribution issues. The harvest period for Tomato is 90 days, an average of (3) months, whereas in the three months period the market channels about 400lbs of tomato. While one farmer produces over 5000lbs in that same period, this then is evidence that the market is inadequate in its effort channel the produce of the farmer in high production times. It is because of this ripple effect farmers are fighting a losing battle in the Fight for Food Security.

World Food Day 2011 "Food Fair"

“Food Fair”

If there is ever a perfect time to promote Agriculture and Food Security? It is the FAO World Food Day celebrations.  Recognize worldwide every year on the 16^th October, the Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd took advantage once again; as it hosted its 2nd annual “Food Fair”. This food fair have become the highlight of the week of activities organized by the Dep’t of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture. These activities are geared towards the commemoration of the world food day celebrations. This year world food day theme is “Food Prices – Crisis to Stability”. Thus, it was necessary for us to magnify the theme through an innovative food competition. This competition was under the sub title “Most Nutritious and affordable Dish”, where a different array of caters were invited to prepare and put the dish on display base on the criteria mentioned above.

The uniqueness of the event was demonstrated where the different stakeholders involved in food production and the sustainability of agriculture was invited to the Sandy Point Market Place. The Sandy point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd  felt it was essential to use this opportunity to advertise the Saturday morning market  and educate potential members about the Cooperative. Among the guess list were institutions like CARDI, whom is responsible for providing farmers with technical assistance and sharing up to date information from researches. Another exceptional contributor to the event was T.D.C group of companies, who had in their capacity as a local agriculture inputs supplier, some items were; seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and artificial soils. Patrons and farmers alike got first hand explanation of the application technique of  using the farming inputs.

The Dep’t of fisheries who also is under the Ministry of Agriculture was there in their fullest capacity. Multiple fact sheets, a model fish pot, safety gears all made up the wide range of fishing equipments and information sheets. It is clear to see that most people in this generation refused to acknowledge farming as a viable business venture. As part of our efforts to further strengthen the agricultural sector we invited The Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board. This initiative was geared towards giving individual the facts as to how productive farming is, and how beneficial it is being self employed.

Agro processing was yet another aspect of the food fair where we intended to highlight. It is also one of the avenues government wishes to improve in order to further diversify the agricultural sector. Sweet Potato chips, guava cheese and mango wine were all among a long list of items at the agro processers stall.

The rearing of animals for food has taken a new face; no longer is the live stock farmer limited to the traditional animals, but he or she is rearing rabbits, turkey, chickens for meat and Bees for honey. The sandy Point Agricultural Society Ltd also took advantage of the large crowd to exhibit its large variety of vegetables, fruits and pastries. Members of the community, visitors and patrons were encouraged to become full pledge members of the cooperative. The event was indeed a success and we wish to say thanks to all who made it possible. 

St. Kitts, Where you at this World Food Day?

St. Kitts, Where you at this World Food Day?

03OCT2011Leave a Comment

by Groundation Grenada Action Collective in Uncategorized Tags: agriculture,community development, St. Kitts, World Food Day

On Saturday October 15th ’11 the vibrant young famers of the Sandy PointAgriculture Co-operative Society Ltd (SPACS) will be hosting a Food Fair. The theme for this year World Food Day is Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability.Starting at 8am at the Sandy Point Market, entrance to the event is free! Among other things, there will be raffles, activities for kids, a cooking competition and screenings of their recent short film “Fighting for Food Security.”

Groundation Grenada had the honor of meeting some of the members of SPACS at a training session last December for the 1st Annual Caribbean Science & Agriculture Film Competition. The work that they are doing in St. Kitts is innovative and proactive. They are pairing their agricultural work with amazing community out reach programs like this Food Fair. To Find out more about the Sandy Point Agriculture Co-operative Society Ltd

Source: http://groundationgrenada.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/st-kitts-where-you-at-this-world-food-day/

Sandy Point Farming group Hailed for Their work

 

Written by MiyVue.com Staff WriterPosted On: Monday, 17 October 2011Last Updated: Monday, 17 October 2011

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Basseterre, St. Kitts- A farming group out of Sandy Point has been acknowledged by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Timothy Harris for its outstanding work in agriculture, especially in its immediate community.

Harris praised the group while delivering his message to officially launch celebrations for World Food Day. These activities were started last Saturday with a food fair and exhibition at the Sandy Point public market.

Harris said it was this group of farmers that recently revived the public market in Sandy Point. He described them as a vibrant group of young model farmers, led by Lionel Stevens.

Harris congratulated the farmers for their consistent provisioning of agricultural produce to the people of Sandy Point and the neighbouring communities and for their strong commitment to be part of the global alliance to end hunger.

Dr. Harris also went on to state  that  his Ministry was so proud of the Sandy Point  Cooperative Society Limited that they have recommended Mr. Seaton, the president of that cooperative as a focal point at a hemispheric alliance to  address hunger in the hemisphere.

World Food Day activities run from 15^th October to 21^st 2011.

On Monday, the activities continued with officials delivering talks in a number of the high schools around the island.


Source:http://www.miyvue.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4482:sandy-point-farming-group-hailed-for-their-work&catid=42:rokstories

The Farmers Drought

Farmers Drought

In all of governments efforts to provide safe, adequate and a reliable service of running water to its domestic and commercial consumers. Government has failed to put the necessary provisions in place that would increase the supply of running water to local farmers. In deed times are changing and the demand for safe and healthy food is also on the rise. The distribution of food is also becoming a task, and more and more the bulk of the food that is produced for food consumption is getting smaller. While areas like Agronomy on the hand is consuming larger amounts of the food produced by farmers.  In a tourism base economy society like St. Kitts and Nevis farmers are more now than ever compel to venture into the business of commercial farming, the reason being he/she has to upgrade in order to meet the food demands. The boost of activity in the tourism sector widens market scale, thus giving the farmer greater demands to supply.

With these potential markets, the farmers are more than often fighting a losing battle, by trying to sustain or trying to captivate these markets using traditional methods of water his/her crops. The rain fed system is the most popular one used in our area by farmers, thus making it the only means of irrigation sometimes. The farmer’s crops are watered when rain falls or he/she put mechanism in place; for example water sprouts connected to the roof and when there are heavy down pours water is collected and stored in large drums, and manually water each plant by hand. This system of irrigation is only effective in the rainy spell of the year, but it still has many disadvantages; such as:

·         Rain doesn’t fall every day.

·         Soil erosion is high when there are heavy down pours.

·         Its labour intensive.

One other factor that may contribute to the inefficiency of this system is climate change; this global epidemic creates a lot of uncertainty for the farmer. Therefore, it is quite clear that because farmers depend solely on the rainy season, the rain fed system is totally ineffective in the dry season. The farmer then is unable to produce adequate quantities of his/her commodities on a consistent basis throughout the year. Hence, it is fair to say that the farmer is practically hand cuffed throughout half of the year. The farmer often struggles to supply his/her market and would eventually lose them, not to mention it is impossible for the farmer to convince his/her costumers that he/she is capable of supplying in times of high demands.

On the other hand where some farmers are more fortunate than others to get access to water, this is only half of the solution to the bigger problem. The equal distribution of water throughout commercial farms drips irrigation systems are needed, these systems thou effective, it is very costly and could be burden to the farmer. Whereas farmers who are capable of installing the drip irrigation system usually have to raise the prices of his/her commodity in order to cover his/her cost and make a profit As a result of this he/she is unable to sell their produce at competitive prices. High prices leads to low sales, this then prevent the farmer from covering expenses and having great losses. The Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd therefore recognizes that the effort of getting water and cost efficient drip irrigation implemented on the farms is a challenge.  And it will continue to retard the potential growth of the farmer and his chances to help in the Fight for Food Security.