In the latter half of 2023, local farmers faced significant challenges due to the impact of Tropical Storm Bret. This natural disaster damaged 75% of the banana industry. Other crops were also not spared in its wake. Consumers, too, were adversely affected, as store shelves were left depleted due to the scarcity of goods. To address this issue, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Kingdom of Morocco, provided fertilizers to help restore production.
Fast forward to January 2024, Minister Alfred Prospere announced positive developments, indicating the successful resumption of banana exports and an anticipated increase in production in the coming weeks. This development marks one of several steps in the recovery of the once-depleted industry.
“As of December, we met with all of the exporters and we got an indication from BMU based on an assessment made of the industry that we were somewhere [around] three thousand to three thousand five hundred boxes a week” Prospere said. “As of this month, we are hoping to get to nine thousand” he added.
Minister Alfred Prospere announced that the government plans to support farmers by providing additional fertilizer through partnerships with the World Bank and the government of Venezuela. This initiative aims to boost production, alleviate farming costs, and enhance overall sustainability in the agricultural sector.
“We will be providing more assistance, because under the World Bank Program, we are procuring some more fertilizer” he said. “We are that before end of March, this fertilizer will be available.”
For more information on this and similar stories, join us for the Hot 7 TV news at 6:45 on Flow channel 117, Kiss FM, the Caribbean Hot FM mobile app and the Caribbean Hot 7 TV Facebook page. We are also available on the HOT 7 Plug and Play antennae. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at 1(758)452-6040 if you have a story of interest to share. We are your official source for breaking news.
