FARMERS in Region 3 have received additional support as the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Securities joined hands to organize another input sale.
This week, they conducted a Subsidised Input Sales event to offer farmers access to essential resources at reduced costs.
These resources include fertilizers, crates, air blowers, and other equipment. Daniel Lee, the Chief of the TTM, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it is crucial for the agricultural sector, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
He explained that as part of the Second Crop project’s second phase, they plan to organise four input sales annually. Having completed the first input sales exercise, they are now preparing for the second phase in Dennery.
Lee mentioned that with the subsidised prices offered to affected farmers, “we can help farmers increase their crop productivity” as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Beryl.
Minister of Agriculture Alfred Prospere observed that considering the losses suffered by farmers, particularly in the banana and plantain sectors, these initiatives, combined with the application of technology, are essential for the revival of Saint Lucia’s agriculture sector and to provide support to farmers.
He stated that it is a “significant programme” for the agriculture sector, especially for the farmers who used to buy a 25kg bag of fertilizer for $75 or $80 and now can get it at a subsidised price of $50.
With more initiatives expected between the TTM and the Ministry of Agriculture, the ongoing collaboration is positioned to strengthen the agricultural sector and offer essential support to farmers.
[R.A].