ST GEORGE’S GRENADA– The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry is looking forward to increased production and an improved quality of spices, ornamentals, and other types of seedlings and planting materials, following the completion of phase 1 of the refurbishment of the Ashenden Propagation Station in St. David.
The first phase began in February, with the refurbishing of shade houses used for propagation and hardening of seedlings, fencing of the station, resurfacing of the nursery floor, refurbishment of the office and improved security measures to prevent and reduce praedial larceny.
Minister for Agriculture, Lands, and Forestry, Hon. Peter David, explained that the purpose of the refurbishment of the propagation stations is to increase the overall production levels and improve varieties.
“We have all the elements; if we put it together, we can get agriculture to grow bigger. This facility will be able to support itself, but we have to get the production up,” Minister David remarked.
The upgrade allows staff more comfortable working conditions. Manager of the Station, Neville John, explained how grateful workers are for the improved conditions. He said, “this is long overdue; our staff is appreciative of the renovations here. It means better working conditions for us and the people who will come to purchase plants.”
Plant Propagation is a science that must be done in the correct environment to generate profits and sustain livelihoods. According to Acting Chief Agricultural Officer, Trevor Thompson, the location of the station was not randomly selected for the propagation of ornamental species and spices – the elevation, rainfall, and temperature all contributed to its selection as a location.
The progress made to date at the Ashenden Facility “will help to support and improve the work done by the other departments and ensure that plant propagation is a profitable operation that the Government can be proud of,” Thompson stated.
The Ashenden Propagation Station in St. David will be opened during the Plant Distribution Season for the sale of plants to members of the public
