PM calls on farmers to lift the scientific basis of their farming

There needs to be a more scientific approach to how agriculture is done here.{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the comment at a press conference on Tuesday, May 3, on his return from a visit to Taiwan, where he viewed firsthand the operation of a 400 acre fruit and vegetable farm and packaging plant.

“The way they farm is remarkable,” he said, adding that farmers here needed to lift the scientific basis of their farming.

He contended that the idea could work here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in the area of fruit and vegetable production.

Over 200 farmers work on the farm and according to Gonsalves, the gross profit realized from the agricultural production and packaging entity is in the region of US$31 million.

He said that he has made a request for six of this country’s farmers, along with technical people from the Ministry of Agriculture, to visit the farm.

“I want our farmers to go there and see for themselves,” Gonsalves told members of the media.

The objective of the visit would be for local farmers to live on and participate in the activities on the farm.

Gonsalves further explained that while this country appreciated the work of the Taiwanese Mission and its commitment to the agricultural sector here, he wanted the farmers to witness the operations firsthand.