ROSEAU – The Ministry of Agriculture says root crops and vegetables are sleeping commercial giants.
In a presentation to agriculture stakeholders recently, agriculture official, Felix Leslie advised producers not to underestimate the commercial value of the two.
Root crops and vegetables are being pursued by Government as one of six “pillars” of the agriculture industry.
The others are banana and plantain; coffee and cocoa; pork and poultry; fruit, and small ruminants.
Leslie revealed to Cabinet, farmers, development partners and other stakeholders that the root crop and vegetable subsectors are so large that the current production levels are insufficient to meet the demand.
He estimated, “In dasheen, we currently produce 800 acres, we need 1 100 acres; in yams, we produce 600 acres but we need 800 acres; in tannias, we grow 200 acres but we need 500 acres; in sweet potatoes, we grow 150 acres and we need 200 acres; in ginger, we have made some good progress; we have 85 acres.”
When it comes to returns, Leslie assured, these crops deliver well to the benefit of all involved.
“The cost of production for one acre of dasheen is $8 000 and the yield is 12 000 pounds multiply that by $1.50 per pound which is the going rate now.
“You spend $10 000 to grow an acre of tannia and you get 15 000 pounds and yams cost $15 000 per acre and you can get 30 000 pounds. Do the math.”
At that event, farmers and other stakeholders had meaningful discussion on the way forward for the industry after Tropical Storm Erika.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit gave his Government’s assurance that concerns and suggestions brought forward will be incorporated into Government’s actions in the long term.
“This is not the end of the consultation,” he said to farmers.
“Feel free to indicate to your extension officers or the Ministry of Agriculture other recommendations which you may have. This is the starting point; it is important for us to engage each other…. We have your back. This is about the country and agriculture. For me and Government, this is the most important aspect of our national development.
“Do not let anybody tell you otherwise. Government attaches priority number one to agriculture,” he said. (GIS Dominica)
