by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Under the theme, “Fostering Economic Growth through Innovation,” the Department of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration hosted its annual review and planning forum, Agenda 2022. The function was held on Tuesday, January 25 2022 at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park and was attended by agriculture officials from both St.Kitts and Nevis.
In giving remarks, Mr. Alexis Jeffers, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration, informed stakeholders about the Ministry’s goals for the year 2022 and emphasised the importance of Food production.
Jeffers mentioned that the planting of at least ten different crops will be the short-term goal. These include but are not limited to pumpkins, watermelons, carrots, green peppers, coloured peppers, and sweet potatoes. He said the short-term goal means being able to feed ourselves for the next six months; hence the reason why the aforementioned crops were selected.
Jeffers stated, “In 2022, even though there are challenges, I can safely say that we’ve learned some lessons in 2020, 2021 and the start of this year. We have to look at putting those lessons into action. I want to say to you that the lessons we have learned and the realities that we are faced with today suggest to me that we have to do more and talk less.”
The Minister of Agriculture said our main focus here in the Federation should be on Food Production, so that food importation can be reduced.
