In what can be seen as a significant development for Grenada’s agricultural sector, the Produce Chemist Laboratory (PCL), is now equipped with state-of-the-art soil testing equipment, courtesy of the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Multicountry Soil Management Initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and Climate-Resilient Food Systems (SOILCARE) Project.
This equipping of the Produce Chemist Laboratory is a pivotal step forward in Grenada’s ability to analyse local soil samples. Furthermore, it will boost the country’s ability to make recommendations to manage soil health and help farmers to employ more sustainable farming practices, consequently improving crop yields and their livelihoods.
The CSIDS SOILCARE Project Phase 1 is supporting sustainable soil management in 8 Caribbean Small Island Developing States, including the improvement of soil testing capabilities in project countries, including Grenada, and the creation of digital soil maps that can be used in various sectors. The handing over of this equipment to Grenada’s Produce Chemist Laboratory was conducted on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, by Project Manager Trevor Thompson. Permanent Secretary Isaac Bhagwan received the equipment on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Marine Resources.
Thompson in his remarks stated that “Grenada can now ensure that its soil management practices are tailored to the specific Soil Fertility, Crop requirements and farmers can manage fertilisers use, reduce unnecessary chemical applications, and make better use of their resources to increase yields and improve livelihoods.”
The CSIDS SOILCARE Manager further added that “the overall benefits include healthier crops, increased yields, and a healthier environment.”
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Marine Affairs- Isaac Bhagwan, welcomed the donation to the Produce Chemist Lab. He said, “For many years, we have been sending samples to Trinidad- which has been costly and timely. This equipment will us to be able to conduct our soil analysis, helping us to provide timely data to our farmers.”
The CSIDS SOILCARE team will also support the training of the staff of the Produce Chemist Laboratory to operate and maintain the new equipment, ensuring they can deliver and provide accurate and timely soil testing services.
The investment by the CSIDS SOILCARE Project implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management underscores the long-term commitment to helping Caribbean Small Island Developing States to improve their land and soil health, reduce land degradation, support capacity building and improve livelihoods.
The equipment worth US$38,500 will enable the Produce Chemist Laboratory to accurately assess soil composition, nutrient levels, pH balance, and other critical factors that influence agricultural productivity. It will also support other sectors that rely on accurate soil data to make informed decisions that can impact national sustainable development.
This development is expected to have far-reaching positive effects on Grenada’s agricultural sector, helping farmers to be better equipped to meet the demands of both local and international markets, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and food security, through the adoption of more sustainable soil management practices. The handover is a shining example of how targeted support and investment can drive meaningful progress in small island developing states.
PISLM
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