St. Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing food imports by 25% by 2025, a significant target set by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew highlighted the nation’s ongoing efforts to boost local agriculture and achieve food security, despite challenges such as ongoing drought conditions, which have severely impacted productivity.
Dr. Drew commended the dedication of his administration and the Ministry of Agriculture in tackling these challenges. “The minister has been working extremely hard with his team to implement this,” he stated, underscoring the proactive measures undertaken to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Strategic Investments in Agriculture
A drought recovery programme was launched to support farmers affected by the severe dry spell. Drip irrigation systems, farm coverings, seeds, and other essential resources were provided as part of a multi-million-dollar investment. While the programme didn’t fully alleviate the difficulties faced by farmers, Dr. Drew acknowledged its substantial impact.
“It didn’t help us totally out of the hole, but it helped significantly,” he noted.
Key initiatives include the establishment of a hatchery to ensure sufficient local egg production, which has now met national demand. The diversification of agriculture has also been prioritised, with new crops such as bananas and pineapples introduced and the innovative Greenhouse Village improving farming techniques.
The government’s Tabasco initiative aims to cultivate approximately 100 acres of land for large-scale crop production, creating a “holistic programme” to diversify agricultural output further.
Tackling Water Scarcity
One of the most pressing challenges is water scarcity, which remains a critical issue for both agricultural and domestic needs. The government has launched a survey to identify new water sources, with plans to drill for additional supplies to sustain farming and other essential activities.
“We conducted a survey of St. Kitts and Nevis over the December period to look for water sources. Because we intend to drill to find more water,” Dr. Drew explained, highlighting the administration’s proactive approach.
Regional Context and Cooperation
The broader CARICOM initiative to reduce food imports has seen varying levels of success among member states. Across the region, the food import bill exceeds US$3.8 billion, driven by reliance on external sources for essential items.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised that achieving this goal requires significant investment in local agriculture and greater intra-regional cooperation.
“We have done a tremendous amount of work to get us there,” he said, pointing to the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure food security while reducing dependency on imports.
A Sustainable Future for Agriculture
The commitment to food security in St. Kitts and Nevis aligns with the Labour Party administration’s vision for sustainable development. The focus on local production, improved farming practices, and regional collaboration is paving the way for a self-reliant future.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore the nation’s determination to meet the CARICOM target, despite the challenges ahead.
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