Minister for Agriculture Hon. Alfred Prospere says during the financial year 2023 – 2024 banana farmers will see an EC One million dollar injection into the sector by the Pierre administration.
He says he has hopes that the industry will soon be able to meet the quota of fifteen thousand boxes in the region.
“I know there is a need for the injection of funds within the banana industry and thanks to the prime minister he has allocated a sum of one million dollars to the banana unit some of that payment will go to staff but the rest of it will go towards purchasing materials like oil and so on. I’m hoping that we can capitalize on that and not too long from that we can reach the quota of fifteen thousand boxes in the region.” the minister said.
The minister added that another major factor is the increase of the subvention of the Saint Lucia marketing board.
He says this will allow the marketing board to pay outstanding fees to farmers on time which has been a growing worry for farmers on the island.
“The marketing board will be receiving two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) this year to assist with its operations, we are hoping that we can be able to buy more from the farmers that have contracts with the marketing board and we will be able to pay them on time.” he continued.
Prospere says the Ministry of Agriculture will continue searching for measures to encourage more banana cultivation.
He says a potential buyer is willing to trade with Saint Lucia. However, banana cultivation needs to be consistent in order for this to be possible.
Photo: myvuenews.com
