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Agriculture and Food Security
There has been major growth in agricultural production in St. Kitts-Nevis under Labour. Labour’s policies have resulted in the creation of hundreds of new farmers, and vast acreages have been allocated to agriculture under this government. Bumper crops allowed farmers to export to neighbouring islands in 2008 and Labour is committed to making commercial farming a reality.
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Agriculture and Food Security The agricultural sector has expanded dramatically under Labour. Between 2005 and 2009 alone, agricultural production increased from 1.2 million pounds to 2.4 million pounds and there are now some 250 new farmers in the federation.
Recent Labour Initiatives to Expand Agricultural Sector:- Allocation of an additional 1,500 acres to the Department of Agriculture in 2009, bringing total farm acreage to 5,000 acres.
- Construction of fisheries complexes in East Basseterre and Old Road.
- Planned collaboration with Nevis regarding expanded fishing operations.
- Acquisition of a 40’ fishing vessel to allow fishermen to spend days –rather than hours at sea.
Measures to Advance Future Commercial Farming:
- Advanced training for extension officers.
- Scientific forecasting of market needs.
- The co-ordination of associated supply.
- Expanded water catchments and storage for broader irrigation and the drilling of wells
- Feeder road expansion to expedite farmers’ access to their farms.
- Wide dissemination of eligibility criteria regarding the allocation and use of farm lands.
- Encouragement of livestock production.
- Greater public participation through incentives and assistance.
- Collaboration with organisations such as at the Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO], United States Agency for International Development [USAID], and others, to ensure farmers’ access to training modules covering both [i] farming techniques and [ii] business fundamentals.
