NIA’s 2024 Budget Debate Highlights Strides in Meat Production and Demand for Local Products

During the NIA’s 2024 Budget Debate on December 5, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the strides made in meat production and the growing demand for local products.

Meat Production Sees Significant Growth

“We have seen a significant increase in meat production at the government abattoir, and this is a clear indication that our investment in the agricultural sector is paying off,” he remarked.

Key Areas of Production

Minister Evelyn emphasized the upward trend in several key areas of production, sharing detailed comparisons of meat production and slaughtering at the abattoir between 2023 and 2024.

Beef production faced a slight decline of 24.3 percent moving from 22,799 pounds to 17,248 pounds, attributed to reduced availability of animals.
Pork production increased significantly by 21.9 percent, from 44,284 pounds to 58,000 pounds, driven by the rising demand for local hams and other processed products.
Chicken production soared by 30.52 percent, from 13,981 pounds to 18,242 pounds, nearly tripling last year’s growth of 12.2 percent, due to increased production.
Mutton saw a substantial 22.9 percent rise from 39,953 pounds to 49,083 pounds, reversing last year’s 1.2 percent decline, thanks to improved farmer support and animal availability.

Total Slaughtering Increases by 17.5%

Overall, total slaughtering at the abattoir increased by 17.5 percent from 122,407 pounds to 143,801 pounds.

Farmers’ Payout Increases by 10.6%

Farmers received a 10.6 percent increase in payouts from the abattoir, totaling more than a half million dollars in revenue.

“Farmers payout increased by 1 percent from 2022 to 2023, going from $479,066.69 to $483,453.14, then 10.6 percent in 2024. So it went from $483,453.14 in 2023 to over a half million [dollars] in 2024. Over $500,000 dollars payout to our farmers. A total of $534,589.81 paid to livestock farmers on Nevis.”

Ministry’s Priorities

The Ministry and Department of Agriculture continue to prioritize livestock production, implementing measures to support farmers and meet the constant demand for meat and meat products.

Completion of the Small Ruminant Breeding Unit at Maddens, with plans to stock 20 imported goats and sheep, including improved breeds such as Anglo Nubian and Katahdin/St. Croix Sheep.
Fencing of paddocks at Maddens to enhance animal management.
Veterinary services to address health issues within the animal population.

Agro-processing Unit Sees Significant Growth

Significant growth was also realized at the NIA’s Agro-processing Unit in 2024, with cassava composite bread increasing by 29.9 percent, lollies by 11.4 percent, drinks in 500ml bottles by 17.7 percent, and drinks in 5-litre bottles growing by an impressive 72 percent.

Payouts for raw products also increased by 9.7 percent, from $52,148.58 to $57,210.01, further benefiting local farmers.

Conclusion

The NIA’s commitment to supporting local farmers and promoting the growth of the agricultural sector is evident in the significant strides made in meat production and demand for local products. The Ministry’s continued efforts to prioritize livestock production and implement measures to support farmers will ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth.

FAQ

Q: What are the key areas of production that saw significant growth?

A: Beef, pork, chicken, and mutton production all saw significant growth, with pork production increasing by 21.9 percent, chicken production soaring by 30.52 percent, and mutton production rising by 22.9 percent.

Q: What measures is the Ministry taking to support farmers?

A: The Ministry is implementing measures such as the completion of the Small Ruminant Breeding Unit at Maddens, fencing of paddocks at Maddens, and veterinary services to address health issues within the animal population.

Q: What is the impact of the growth in agro-processing on local farmers?

A: The growth in agro-processing has resulted in increased payouts for raw products, increasing by 9.7 percent, which benefits local farmers.