Caesar: Keep communication lines open for agricultural development

The lines of communication must always be kept open to gain positive development in the agricultural sector, says Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar.{{more}}

“It is going to be very important, especially since we are building a sector in a very challenging environment, that we are on the same page as it pertains to the developmental path forward,” the minister said at a press conference in Kingstown on November 26.

Caesar’s comments came following a series of consultation between his ministry and banana farmers across the country.

He revealed that 800 farmers participated in the month-long consultations.

Over the period, eight meetings were held in six communities. These comprise Colonarie, Georgetown, Sans Souci, Mesopotamia, Vermont and Chateaubelair.

“I must again thank the farmers who participated and also made significant contributions. I am very much pleased and I have spoken to the senior members of staff. And we are very pleased that we are on a good path to opening the lines of communication between the farmers of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ministry of Agriculture and the key stakeholders in the industry,” Caesar said.

The agriculture minister also noted that the consultations would continue.

“We have to continue to build on the knowledge that we were able to obtain during the past three to four weeks.”

Caesar described the meetings with the farmers as “very instructive” where five major issues were raised.

The issues raised were, credit for farmers, marketing of agricultural produce, feeder roads, praedial larceny and disease and pest control.

Though the issues were discussed during the consultations, Caesar said further deliberations would continue between his ministry and other key stake holders. (AA)