Saint Lucia’s Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere is urging farmers to adopt diversified strategies against Black Sigatoka Disease, which is threatening banana production. The government has secured funding and resources to assist farmers, including 1,500 gallons of oil and a new loan of USD 555,000. Relief measures and technological enhancements, such as drones, are being introduced to support sustainable farming practices and combat financial hardships.
Saint Lucia is addressing the challenges posed by Black Sigatoka Disease, which significantly affects the banana farming sector. Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere emphasized the urgency for farmers to adopt diversified strategies beyond reliance on oil products, particularly in the rainy season when the disease thrives. He highlighted that proper farm management practices, such as effective drainage, crop trimming, and timely fertilization, are crucial for building disease resistance among crops.
The minister pointed out an observation from a farmer’s field that exhibited no signs of Black Sigatoka. However, he cautioned that neighboring plantations remain vulnerable to the disease’s transmission. To enhance crop management, Prospere suggested integrating drone technology to ensure timely and efficient pesticide spraying, arguing for a collective national approach to managing crop diseases while reducing associated costs through technological advancements.
Prospere also addressed the severe impact of Black Sigatoka on the local banana industry, particularly stating that harvests have faced persistent disruptions since November, compounded by shipping delays that caused shortages of essential oil products. He reported that the Department of Agriculture has successfully sourced oil to assist farmers, including 1,500 gallons from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and 76,000 gallons provided by the World Bank’s Food Security Programme, which has been distributed to farmers at no cost.
The Prime Minister recently announced relief measures for 405 banana growers, with financial compensation anticipated by March. Recognizing the financial strain on farmers, Prospere noted the government’s initiatives to provide fertilizers, labor, and additional financial support to sustain the agricultural community. Supportive measures included distributing 39,000 bags of fertilizer and 32,000 bags of lime, alongside deploying 115 labor workers to assist with farming operations.
Additionally, the government is working on securing 30,000 more bags of fertilizer from Venezuela to further support local farmers. Prospere underscored the importance of minimizing the food import bill while encouraging local production initiatives aimed at reducing input costs. In a move to streamline financial assistance to farmers, the St. Lucia Marketing Board has acquired a USD 555,000 loan to facilitate prompt payments to farmers, reassuring them of their potential in seizing new market opportunities and maintaining confidence in the agricultural sector.
In summary, Saint Lucia is implementing new strategies and financial support for banana farmers to combat Black Sigatoka Disease. Emphasis on diversified farming practices, technological integration, and financial aid aims to bolster the agricultural sector amid ongoing challenges. The government remains committed to reducing production costs and enhancing local market opportunities for farmers, ensuring the sustainability of the banana industry.
Original Source: www.freshplaza.com
