ST.GEORGE’S GRENADA– The Government of Grenada and the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA) are creating a new frontier for the nutmeg industry, making it possible for the earlier detection of the sex of nutmeg trees. Through collaboration with the St. George’s University (SGU), nutmeg farmers will no longer have to wait five to seven years to learn the sex of their nutmeg trees.
Signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, the partners solidified their intention to use the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) at the SGU to determine the sex of nutmeg trees through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test.
The success of this new technological advancement in the agriculture sector will save farmers a lot of money and effort, as they will know much earlier, whether their tree has bearing capabilities.
Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Peter David, said this new direction underscores the importance of partnership and research in propelling the agriculture sector, and specifically in this instance, the nutmeg industry.
He said, “It shows us the need to do two things; one of which is to cooperate. The private sector and the public sector have found a way to cooperate for the benefit of the farmers. It also tells us the importance of research. I believe that one of the weakest areas of our sector is our lack of research into new products and new methods. This initiative is a clear sign that using new scientific methods is an extremely important way of developing this important sector.”
According to Chairman of the GCNA, Leo Cato, there have been many attempts to solve the issue and he is optimistic about the prospects of this new path as he foresees sustainable growth within the sector because of it.
He said, “We are moving, we are going to take off, we are not sure where we are going to land but we are confident that there will be results. When a farmer plants a nutmeg plant in his garden and waits five to seven years and discovers that it is a male plant and has to chop it down, it is a serious loss. This MOU shows a very strong partnership of all the parties concerned. We have one common and collective interest, to fix a problem that will put a smile on the faces of the nutmeg farmers of Grenada.”
Understanding the economic loss and frustration of farmers in this respect, Director of WINDREF, Dr. Calum Macpherson, said the institution is pleased to embark on this project.
“We are very willing and happy when we were asked to use our PCR Lab to determine the sex of nutmeg trees. This is a terrific partnership that we look forward to and we know that it is going to have an economic benefit for the people and particularly the farmers of Grenada.”
Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all
