By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 15th February 2024)- In a move towards agricultural self-sufficiency and economic resilience, the Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at reducing the nation’s food import bill by twenty-five percent by the year 2025.
This initiative, known as the 25 by 25 Agenda, seeks to leverage the local farming community’s potential to increase the production of key crops within the Federation. At the heart of this initiative are four primary crops: watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and sweet peppers.
These were selected for their viability and demand within the local market, with the goal of not only meeting domestic needs but also exploring export opportunities. On Wednesday 7th February 2024, Ministry officials, including Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins, Permanent Secretary Miguel Flemming and Director Jeanelle Kelly convened a meeting with local farmers specializing in the
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 15th February 2024)- At the recent Prime Minister’s Press Conference, Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins expressed strong confidence in St. Kitts and Nevis’s capacity to achieve its ambitious target of reducing the food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, with such optimism stemming from the increase in local farmers joining forces with the ministry to realize this vision.
Minister Duggins highlighted the growing momentum behind the 25 by 25 Agenda, with over 150 farmers now committed to the cause saying: “Our dedication to the 25 by 25 Agenda is unwavering,  he stated. “The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our farmers, who are keen to contribute towards and benefit from the $50 million goal, are truly inspiring.” This commitment was further solidified during the 25 by 25 Crop Farmer Commodity Meetings held on February 7 and 12, 2024. These sessions not only served as platforms for disseminating vital information but also for recognizing the farmers’ participation with certificates.
The focus crops, including watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and sweet peppers, have been selected for their potential impact on the Federation’s food production and import reduction strategy. The Department of Agriculture is providing comprehensive support to these farmers, offering necessary inputs and technical guidance to ensure their success.
“Supporting our farmers is not just a duty but a commitment to enhancing our agricultural output,” Minister Duggins remarked. An exciting development in this journey is the nearing completion of the hatchery project at the Bayford’s Livestock Center of Excellence.
Initiated with a – NEWS – memorandum of understanding last year, the project is expected to commence production between March and April 2024. As understood, this initiative represents a significant step towards self-sufficiency in poultry production, aiming to address the $20 million currently spent on importing poultry products.
Additionally, plans are underway for the construction of a poultry slaughtering facility. This facility will complement the hatchery in boosting the Federation’s local poultry production capabilities, aligning with the broader goals of the 25 by 25 Agenda.
As gathered, Minister Duggins’s optimism is not just rooted in the progress of projects and farmer participation but also in the broader impact these efforts will have on the Federation’s economy and food security. By increasing local food production and reducing dependency on imports, St.
Kitts and Nevis is said to be moving towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. Of note, as St. Kitts and Nevis continues to advance towards its 25 by 25 target, the collective effort of the government, farmers, and supporting agencies is a testament to the nation’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape.
Such a collaborative approach not only aims to meet the immediate goal of reducing food imports but also to lay the foundation for a more self-reliant and prosperous future for the Federation’s agricultural sector.
its 50th Anniversary Celebrations on February 14, 2024. In its Golden Jubilee celebrations, NCI is honoring Dr. Mervyn Laws for his invaluable service to the company as its longstanding Company Medial Officer (CMO) who was instrumental in the sustainable growth of the company over the years.
NCI General Manager Diana Williams-Humphrey presented Dr. Laws with the impressive crystal pyramid trophy award. Speaking on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, Ms. Williams-Humphrey went on to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr.
Laws for his commitment and contribution to NCI’s success and legacy. Dr. Laws, who has served NCI for more than three decades as CMO, was visibly moved by NCI’s presentation. The highly regarded Medical Doctor reflected on the journey and expressed his own personal thanks to NCI as he accepted the special award.
NCI is celebrating its 50th Anniversary 1973-2023, guided by the slogan: “At 50 We Stand Tall, NCI Cares for All.” This Golden Jubilee is dedicated to the recognition of NCI’s founders, its management, and staff and especially its customers. Also on February 14, 2024, NCI delivered over fifty care packages to senior citizens in St.
Kitts-Nevis and Anguilla as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations year-long calendar. The next event will be a health walk that will bring the whole group of Companies together on February 24, 2024. 11
