St. Kitts has recorded a remarkable increase in agricultural production for the year 2024, with significant gains in several key crops, according to a recent report by Acting Director at the Department of Agriculture, Y’ushaner Jeffers.
The report which was delivered as part of the Annual Review and Planning meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday, revealed that the top-performing commodities include pumpkin, watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber, all of which have experienced notable growth when compared to data in 2023.
Pumpkin production surged from 91.2 metric tonnes in 2023 to 140.6 metric tonnes in 2024, reflecting a 54% increase. Watermelon followed with an astounding 193.9% rise, jumping from 40.6 metric tonnes to 119.3 metric tonnes. Meanwhile, cucumber production saw an increase of 142.9%, growing from 34.9 metric tonnes to 84.8 metric tonnes. Cantaloupe recorded the most dramatic increase, soaring from 12.4 metric tonnes in 2023 to 39.3 metric tonnes in 2024—a remarkable 216.9% rise.
This surge in production comes on the heels of the government’s targeted agricultural initiatives. In February 2024, the Department of Agriculture launched the 25×25 Agricultural Support Package, designed to offer essential technical support, vital inputs, and climate-smart system installations to farmers. A total of 25,028 agricultural inputs were distributed to 566 local farmers, equipping them with the necessary resources to bolster productivity.
Additionally, the increase in production, particularly in cucurbits, is attributed to the Drought Resilience Irrigation Project (DRIP). This initiative facilitated the installation of polypropylene ground cover, drip lines, and other irrigation technology, enhancing water-use efficiency and optimizing crop yields amid water scarcity concerns.
These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, reducing the food import expenditure, promoting sustainability and ensuring food security in St. Kitts.
-END-
