Dumbarton Centre receives Technical Assistance from FAO

The Ministry of Agriculture is improving its extension services to farmers through the aid of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

On Thursday June 28, the FAO handed over office and agricultural equipment to the Dumbarton station under the Regional Food Security Project.{{more}}

The donation included tractors, rain gauges, irrigation equipment, steam generator, chipper/shredder, seedling trays, a laptop computer, photocopier, Desktop computer, and a printer. The project has two components, the first includes enhancing productivity at the farm level, increasing yields and promoting good agricultural practices. The second component promotes enhancement at the policy level through national training and mobilisation.

The FAO’s national food security project’s first phase is expected to end by December 2007 at a total cost of US 120,000 dollars. The regional project is being implemented at a cost of EC 5 million dollars over a three year period.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hon. Montgomery Daniel said food security is especially critical in the Caribbean where food import bills are in excess of US 45 billion dollars. He also noted that food production in the region has declined since the 1990’s and this leaves the region in a vulnerable position.

He added that emphasis must be placed on local food production, nutrition and possible import substitution policies.

Project Manager Greg Rawlins urged the Ministry to make the project sustainable and carry out activities that will set the framework for the second phase of the project.

He notes that demonstrations on good agricultural practices are key features of the project and important to local production at the farm level and by extension food security.

FAO sub-regional Officer for the Caribbean Dr. Listra Fletcher-Paul, says agriculture and food security are issues of National Security in the region, where food imports have reached alarming levels.

Dr. Fletcher-Paul added that FAO is committed to food security, improving the lives of rural communities and improving nutrition for the population.

The event was attended by a number of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers.(API)