The National Fair Trade Organisation (NFTO) is partnering with the Ministry of Education to implement the “Ripe Banana a Day Initiative,” aimed at significantly improving nutritional values among students and reinforcing food security on the island.
During a press conference on Monday, Minister of Agricultue Alfred Prospere asserted that this initiative will provide substantial benefits to schools by offering a practical solution for utilising local bananas.
He emphasized, “If each of the approximately 6,000 students consumes one banana a day, we create a robust local market that empowers our banana farmers and ensures a steady income.”
Minister Prospere highlighted the immense nutritional benefits of bananas that can enhance students’ diets and overall health. He revealed that the NFTO has established a ripening facility in La Caye, Dennery, where necessary ripening operations will take place.
“The NFTO will source bananas directly from farmers, process them at the ripening facility, and distribute them to schools,” he stated confidently.
Prospere also explained that the NFTO already maintains a list of farmers they purchase from on weekly basis, ensuring a seamless supply of ripe bananas. This initiative is poised to dramatically increase local banana consumption, reducing reliance on external markets.
Furthermore, he said that ripe bananas will be readily available in supermarkets, hotels, roadside vendors, and other businesses, directly addressing the need for a consistent local supply of bananas, thereby providing ‘a banana every day’ to the community.
Reflecting on past initiatives, it’s noteworthy that two years ago, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Lucia entered into a technical agreement during a Business Youth Forum. This collaboration enabled the Youth Economy Agency’s (YEA) Business Training and Mentorship Program to thrive, training over 100 young people and disbursing more than 500 grants to start-ups.
Taiwan Youth Ambassadors visited Saint Lucia for an international cultural exchange, motivating local youth to seize available opportunities and express their entrepreneurial ambitions in banana production.
Additionally, the Taiwan Technical Mission (ICDF) has empowered local farmers by providing 38-pack houses, enhancing their production capability. This initiative also addresses post-Tropical Storm Kirk challenges, ensuring that local banana farmers attain Global GAP certification and have access to international markets.
The ICDF is firmly committed to supporting the Ministry of Agriculture’s Banana Productivity Project to enhance the quality and marketability of local fruits. The Banana Productivity Improvement Project (BPIP) staff is now fully equipped to conduct on-site assessments of soil quality, an essential service made possible by the financial backing of the ICDF and the donation of eight soil testing kits.
This capability allows farmers to receive immediate feedback on their soil’s nutrient and pH levels, significantly improving their agricultural practices and crop yields.