Hon. Samal Duggins: Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Progress Towards Food Security

Regional Efforts to Reduce Food Import Bill

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – At the conclusion of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados on February 21, regional leaders agreed to extend the 25 by 2025 initiative by five years. This decision was made in response to challenges such as global trade uncertainties and the impact of natural disasters in the region.

The 25 by 2025 initiative originally aimed to reduce the region’s Six ($6) billion food import bill by 25 percent by the end of 2025. With the extension, the target date is now 2030, with additional goals introduced.

Progress in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Despite this extension, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Samal Duggins, stated during the Prime Minister’s Press Conference on March 06, 2025, that Saint Kitts and Nevis is progressing to meet the original target through farmer training, provision of resources, and technical assistance.

“I am happy to note that we have been doing exceptionally well in achieving this,” Minister Duggins said. “Our fisheries sector generated $19.6 million in revenue last year alone. That was a significant increase [in comparison] to when we got into office where the number on the books was $8.5 million, so you see, we would have more than doubled that revenue over the last two years.”

Notable Growth in Sectors

The minister also highlighted notable growth in the livestock and crop sectors.

“We launched the largest planting programme last year, and the bananas and pineapples that were planted are scheduled to be harvested this year, with some already in fruit,” he added.

Government Support for Local Farmers

To further support local farmers, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, through the Department of Agriculture, has provided:

High-quality planting materials, drought-tolerant crops, and other essential inputs;
Introduced new goat breeds through its Goat Breeding Programme;
Conducted extensive training and consultations with small ruminant farmers;
Operationalized the Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery Facility at the Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence, which is expected to significantly boost poultry production in Saint Kitts, strengthening food security and promoting agricultural sustainability.

Conclusion

Saint Kitts and Nevis is making significant progress towards achieving food security and reducing its reliance on imported food. The country’s efforts to support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture are yielding positive results, and with the extension of the 25 by 2025 initiative, the country is well on its way to achieving its goals.

FAQs

What is the 25 by 2025 initiative?

The 25 by 2025 initiative is a regional effort to reduce the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Six ($6) billion food import bill by 25 percent by the end of 2025.

Why was the initiative extended?

The initiative was extended due to global trade uncertainties and the impact of natural disasters in the region.

What is Saint Kitts and Nevis’ progress towards the initiative?

Saint Kitts and Nevis is progressing well towards the initiative, with notable growth in its fisheries, livestock, and crop sectors, and is on track to meet its targets.

What support is being provided to local farmers?

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is providing high-quality planting materials, drought-tolerant crops, and other essential inputs, introducing new goat breeds, conducting training and consultations with small ruminant farmers, and operationalizing the Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery Facility at the Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence.