ST.GEORGE’S GRENADA– The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Lands has made available 89, 632 plants for its 2021 Plant Distribution Season, an increase of 29,257 from last year’s propagation. These plants range from traditional tree crops to ornamentals and minor fruits and spices.
This annual event, which was launched on July 29, at the Mirabeau Propagation Station, is one of the ministry’s ventures towards improving the nation’s food and nutrition security.
Declaring the season open, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David said the 2021 season signifies a new period of planting, with faith in the expectation of a great harvest to come.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, through its Plant Propagation Programme, is investing in Grenada’s security, its prosperity, its harmony, and its very existence,” he said. “Propagating the trees of tomorrow is a clear indication of hope in the future.”
“Despite the many challenges that confront us, such as, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,” the minister continued, “government foresees a promising future for agriculture and is committed to doing all that is within its power to make that future a reality.”
According to Minister David, plant propagation and distribution is “just one weapon in the army of developmental initiatives geared towards growing and sustaining the agricultural sector of this country.”
Over $1 million have been expended into the propagation of 9,000 cocoa, 8,000 soursop, 3,000 cloves, 3,000 ginger, 2,000 mangoes, 1,000 avocado, 500 breadfruit, 7,000 different ornamental plants, 8,000 minor species of minor fruits, and over 4,000 minor spices, e.g.: clove and black pepper. A further 31, 000 plants will be available for sale between September and December.
Chief Agronomist and Manager of the Mirabeau Propagation Station, Allison Haynes, attributed the increase in plants this year to the hard work of the officers, who were met with many challenges.
Haynes is encouraging farmers to make every effort to care for the plants and she gave assurances that the ministry, through its extension officers, will ensure that this is done.
“The ministry has met its obligation to propagate and supply various quantities of quality plants to the farmers, now, it’s the farmers’ obligation to care for those plants by establishing their plots following the recommended agronomic and climate-smart practices,” Haynes implored.
“I believe that caring for the plants and following best practices are the only ways in which farmers can truly demonstrate their appreciation for the highly subsidised plants. The Ministry of Agriculture, through its extension service, will continue to support farmers and will continue to follow up on the plants that we distribute this year,” she continued.
The sale of plants began at the Mirabeau, Maran, and Boulogne Propagation Stations on Tuesday, August 3, at the subsidised cost of no more than $10.00. The sale of plants at the Ashenden Station in St. David has been suspended until further notice.
Persons who have submitted applications for the purchasing of plants are asked to contact the Ministry of Agriculture on 473-417-2355 to arrange for collection.
Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all
