St. Kitts has recorded a remarkable increase in agricultural production, with significant gains in key crops, according to a recent report by Acting Director at the Department of Agriculture, Y’ushaner Jeffers. The findings, presented during the Ministry of Agriculture’s Annual Review and Planning Meeting, highlight the country’s ongoing strides towards food security and sustainability.
Agricultural Boom: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The report outlined substantial increases in production for several major crops when compared to 2023. The top-performing commodities include pumpkin, watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber, all of which have experienced significant growth.
- Pumpkin production surged from 91.2 metric tonnes in 2023 to 140.6 metric tonnes in 2024, reflecting a 54% increase.
- Watermelon recorded an astounding 193.9% rise, jumping from 40.6 metric tonnes to 119.3 metric tonnes.
- Cucumber production saw a 142.9% increase, growing from 34.9 metric tonnes to 84.8 metric tonnes.
- Cantaloupe recorded the most dramatic growth, skyrocketing from 12.4 metric tonnes in 2023 to 39.3 metric tonnes in 2024—an impressive 216.9% increase.
Driving Growth Through Targeted Initiatives
The government’s agricultural policies and strategic interventions have played a pivotal role in this expansion. In February 2024, the Department of Agriculture launched the 25×25 Agricultural Support Package, which provided critical support to farmers through:
- Technical assistance to improve farming techniques.
- Vital agricultural inputs, with 25,028 resources distributed to 566 farmers.
- Climate-smart infrastructure, including the Drought Resilience Irrigation Project (DRIP), which introduced polypropylene ground cover, drip irrigation systems, and enhanced water-use efficiency technologies.
These initiatives have directly contributed to the improved productivity of cucurbits, ensuring resilience against water scarcity and climate change challenges.
Commitment to Sustainability and Food Security
The impressive growth in agricultural production underscores the Labour Government’s strong dedication to revitalising the sector. By prioritising local food production, reducing dependency on imports, and implementing sustainable farming techniques, St. Kitts is advancing towards a more secure and self-reliant food system.
Ongoing investments and continuous support for farmers will further drive expansion in agricultural output, boost economic activity, and strengthen the nation’s ability to withstand external food supply challenges. These efforts are laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
Photo credit: Ministry of Agriculture
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