St. Kitts Reduces Food Importation by Boosting Local Banana and Plantain Production
Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources held a massive distribution drive on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, where thousands of banana and plantain suckers were handed over to local farmers and backyard gardeners in St. Kitts.
The distribution drive aimed to reduce the Federation’s high food importation. This is part of the 25 by 25 programme, which is an initiative to boost local food production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported produce. Ian Chapman, Head of the Crops Programme within the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that Wednesday’s crop distribution drive will play a significant role in boosting local food production.
Massive Distribution Drive
In total, 13,000 banana suckers and between 12,000 to 15,000 plantain suckers were distributed during the drive. This was the second distribution drive for banana and plantain suckers this year, following a similar event in July where roughly 26,000 suckers were distributed to farmers across St. Kitts.
Benefits of Local Production
Both bananas and plantains are widely used in the agro-processing sector to create a variety of products. "When we look at the statistics, banana and plantains are two commodities we see of high imports," Mr. Chapman said. "Apart from being consumed fresh, both bananas and plantains are widely used in the agro-processing sector to create a variety of products. And so, growing more of these commodities locally can make a significant dent in our food importation bill," he added.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to boost local food production will have a positive impact on the country’s economy and food security. Reducing the country’s dependence on imported produce will lead to significant cost savings and create opportunities for local farmers and backyard gardeners.
FAQs
Q: Why is the Ministry of Agriculture promoting local food production?
A: To reduce the Federation’s high food importation and boost the country’s economy and food security.
Q: What are the benefits of growing local bananas and plantains?
A: Both bananas and plantains are highly imported commodities, and by growing them locally, we can reduce our food import bill and create opportunities for local farmers and backyard gardeners.
Q: How many suckers were distributed during the recent drive?
A: 13,000 banana suckers and between 12,000 to 15,000 plantain suckers were distributed.
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