PS IN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE SAYS FARMERS AND FISHERS BENEFITED GREATLY FROM GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 19, 2021 (SKNIS): Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ron Collins, said that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has delivered well to farmers and fisherfolk, and will continue to support them under the Farmers and Fisherfolk Assistance Programme.

 “Farmers and Fishers have benefited greatly from the stimulus package provided by the government in 2020,” said Mr. Collins during remarks on the development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors on February 19.

Mr. Collins said that the 2020 stimulus package aided farmers and fishers by greatly reducing prices on seeds, feed, and seedlings. He said that the government also made available land, wire, and other building materials.

“The Government has provided support by assigning STEP workers to farmers and fishers to enhance their operations, land preparations, provision of chemical and fertilizers—repair of paddocks has also been contributed,” he said.

The permanent secretary also highlighted the work of the Livestock Unit at the Department of Agriculture saying that the Unit adequately provided free treatment and Bayticol to control and arrest the Dermatophilosis that decimated the livestock within the Federation.

Additionally, he said, “Our Assistance Programme, made possible by the Federal Government, has made available funds to support the activities in helping farmers overcome some of the challenges they face,” while adding that the Federal Government made a further injection of an additional three million dollars for the year 2021 that he says, “will serve to ensure that the target of increased production and decreased import bill is achieved.”

 “The opportunities in agriculture have increased because of the assistance provided,” Mr. Collins said. “Many of our farmers and fishers can speak to our commitment to helping them in their various farming and fishing endeavours.” -30-