Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs Samantha Marshall says agriculture is not within the four walls of an office but it’s what taking place out in the field.
The agriculture minister said that she is looking forward to the opportunity to engage more farmers and make more visits to as many of them as possible, to see first-hand the challenges on the ground and how the ministry can further assist.
“The aim is not for us to stop anyone from farming or to make it difficult for anyone to farm ,but really to work along with farmers and to help them maximize their ability as best as they can. They have to recognize that there are certain mechanisms that are put in place to protect not just the ministry but also the farmers.”
One of the priority areas going forward, according to Minister Marshall is dealing the full registration of farmers so that greater support can be extended to them.
Upgrading the technological aspect of the ministry so that technology can play a more integral role in its operations is also being placed in sharp focus.
Water security is another area that is being given more attention the agriculture minister confirmed, as both livestock and crop farmers have complained about access to water, which is especially exacerbated during the prolonged drought period.
She said that a decision has already been made by cabinet that allows for a 25% discount for those farmers who have access to APUA Water and the ministry continues to work along with the utility company to ensure full implementation.
Minister Marshall further revealed that the ministry is also working in certain areas with APUA to look at how Dams can be constructed and create an opportunity for perhaps to be able to pump excess water from those Dams that are constructed, into a main source that is controlled by APUA.
The agriculture minister further mentioned that she is also cognizant of the fact that Antigua and Barbuda is now entering into another critical season- the Hurricane season and in the event there is a devastating storm or hurricane, it would only delay any progress that would have already been made. Looking at a support structure in the event of a disaster is key.
“So although we are planning in terms of production and what can happen during this period, we are also trying to plan in terms of any event that may happen so that we would be able to get back on stream with our agricultural production in a short period of time.”
Minister Marshall further noted that developing proper storage facilities for farmers produce is another area that the ministry has to keep on the front burner.
She said that a Heads of Department meeting held earlier this week, discussed some of these critical areas and the importance of securing materials that will be needed to start new crops in the case of a hurricane.
“How do we develop proper storage to ensure that we can provide that service to farmers? So when we have situations not only like this, but where we are asking for increased production for sustainability, that we will have some level of storage for these crops.”
With regards to the COVID-19 response to Agriculture, Minister Marshall said that although there could be more involvement, she is pleased with this response so far as this pandemic was basically thrust upon countries around the globe.
She encouraged those who are involved in this critical response process, to build on what they have started.
During this period, the agriculture minister also highlighted the importance of creating a mechanism whereby farmers can actually market their goods not only in the country but also within the region.
She said that the government is working along with the OECS to see how a great partnership and relations in trade can be developed among OECS countries initially.
“I’m sure that eventually, we are going to think bigger because already, Antigua and Barbuda has had some good exposure to training in the fisheries sector in the EU territories and so these are the things that we want to build upon with supporting legislation, so that we can ensure that we are able to match or stand as tall as the others.”
The minister of agriculture also noted that in light of this pandemic, preventing wastage of crops is paramount.
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Great stuff minister marshall♥️
Minister Marshall, you have a plan, as a forward and proactive thinker; many are keeping the faith, that as you implement these ideas, that they’ll come to fruition for the betterment, of the entire Nation!
Keep up the good work!
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