The Department of Agriculture on Nevis has embarked on the first phase of the developmental strategy for the breadfruit and breadnut technology by recently hosting a workshop under the theme “Way forward for Breadfruit and Breadnut Industry in St. Kitts-Nevis.”
Manager of the Agro Processing Unit Mr. Dwight Browne, who served as chairman of the meeting, said that in September, 2013 Ministries of Agriculture on St. Kitts and Nevis, in a joint effort to gain National Food Security, contacted the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for assistance. FAO and the Ministries coordinated their efforts by selecting the breadfruit and breadnut crops to improve food security on the islands.
Technical Officer for FAO Mr. Heiko Bammann, who is responsible for the development of the breadfruit and breadnut project in St. Kitts and Nevis, revealed that a strategy has been designed for a 10-year period for the implementation of these food crops.
Mr. Bammann in support of the Ministries efforts to sustain the nation, indicated that although the region is faced with increasing import bills, the breadfruit crop can combat the trend.
He also stated that this project is a long term development which started in 2011 when the government received its first assistance from FAO in breadfruit and breadnut technology.
“It’s for the next generation and they will benefit from it. The crops will give food for the next 50 years. Even if hurricanes come they just need natural pruning and they will come up again,” Mr. Bammann said.
He also advised that St. Kitts and Nevis decide on the best way forward for the breadfruit and breadnut project to become viable.
Meantime, Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Eric Evelyn, remarked that the workshop was one of the strategies employed to assist in the effective implementation of the breadfruit and breadnut industry.
He was hopeful the workshop would be instrumental in generating an increase in the number of products that can be developed from these commodities.
Mr. Evelyn also stated that the two-week session previously conducted at the Agro-processing plants on St. Kitts to expose agro-processors on both islands to the various processing skills involved in the development of products from the breadfruit and breadnut crop, were fully endorsed by the Ministry.
Additionally, Director of Agriculture on Nevis Mr. Keithley Amory, commented that he expected the participants of the workshop to develop workable strategies for the breadfruit and breadnut technology. He also hoped for the successful establishment of the food crop industry to ensure food security.
Also present at the workshop were National Consultant for FAO Mr. Conrad Kelly and Project Director of Agriculture in St. Kitts Ms. Raquel Williams-Isgrey.
These people can think,unlike the clowns we have governing this poor country.
agriculture on a large scale, YES, not this mediocre nonesense
What a vast difference in minds btw Caribbean islands. This is a government that is thinking progressively. I would like to know how many Chinese and Venezuelans are involved in implementation of the program? A few months ago I had a conversation with some of my friends on the idea of being able to package an sell prepared breadfruit locally and internationally. First they recognize the importance of term limits second they recognize the potential of what they have. That is why change is important. Fresh minds, fresh ideas, progressive society. I might have to change my nationality. Oh wait I do not have to. We all Caricom so I will just move to St. Kitts/ Nevis. Seem like they have more commonsense there. These are the kinds of stuff we are asking of our leaders. Self reliant and innovation. Not the constant begging and display of Dominica as a helpless poor unskilled, untalented, incapable society.
This is no different from the abattoir initiative
Tell me how it is. I would think you would say coffee initiative, two of which were visions of other countries for Dominica. We plan on importing livestock and already imported coffee. The late Chavez said he like Dominica coffee all of a sudden coffee plant appears with no plan on implementation and sustainability. Abbatoir built but no plan or records on heads of livestock for sustainability. If you read above you would see it says a long term plan that may take 10 yrs and benifit later generation. Labour party in power 15 yrs going on 20yrs and still using the instant gratification approach that either cannot get anywhere, and only serves to satisfy the Politicians, there families, and friends. Go look at petro Carib. You saying its no different from the abbatoir initiative sounds and smell like the farts coming from the Government of Dominica. Saying nothing would make you wiser.
Well said, Shaka! Instead our gov wants to develop tourism but can no way facilitate that industry. deze peeple bèbè man?
shaka zulu boy you dotish eh…breadfruit and breadnut ..small thinkers