Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recently collaborated to help boost local ginger production in the country by completing a Ginger Single Bud Technology/Nursery Development and Field Production Workshop.
The workshop aimed to boost local production and enhance export potential by equipping participants with advanced ginger cultivation techniques like single bud technology, nursery development, and efficient field practices through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations.
The three-day workshop held at the Union Orchid Garden Centre drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, experts, and government officials. Perishables Manager of Massy Stores, Dunstan Demille says the ginger market is showing promising signs of growth and diversification, providing ample opportunities for both local producers and international buyers alike.
“We need money circulating in the economy, so empowering farmers would provide them with a little more income. It would also help in healing the nation because there is so much potential in ginger,” he said.
Demille added, “I mean, a lot of people look forward to it. Sometimes I bring 20,000 pounds of ginger out of Dominica, and it hardly lasts a week, so the potential is huge.
“I wish to see our production increase in Saint Lucia. I personally believe the market is there; we don’t have to go looking for it. We just need to develop it because there is merit in developing the market.”
Throughout the workshop, participants gained insights into best practices for nursery development, field management, and post-harvest handling, ensuring the sustainability and quality of ginger production in Saint Lucia.
Agriculture Officer and FAO Focal Point Kenneth Elva explained that the initiative is part of the larger project, “Promoting Competitive Import Substitution and Export Agricultural Value Chains in Saint Lucia.”
Elva stated, “One of the key training materials focuses on the single bud technology, which aids farmers in increasing their ginger planting material and producing disease-free planting material.
“In the past, the ginger rhizome has been used for planting material to plant an acre, with the single bud technology, you can utilize half of the amount to plant an acre. This method helps increase production for farmers.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development acknowledged the input of the FAO for their invaluable support in building capacity within the sector.
A ministry spokesperson noted that the initiative, highlights “the collaborative efforts that underscore a shared commitment to promoting agricultural competitiveness and sustainability in the agriculture industry.”