CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: Farmers on Nevis should continue to embrace new technologies, as the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) strives, through consultation, to provide a climate conducive to continued progress and growth. Minister of Agriculture on Nevis Robelto Hector made the comment, while he impressed on farmers the importance of technology, when he delivered the feature address at the 13th annual Agriculture Open Day at The Villa in Charlestown.
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| Crop Farmer of the year Donald Daniel receives his plaque from Agriculture Minister Robelto Hector |
“I ask you as farmers and as a society to continue to embrace new technologies. As a government we would upon consultation with you, strive to provide the climate necessary for your continued progress and growth. We are all aware that Nevis like other Caribbean islands continues to face the challenges of natural disasters; an aging farming population; barriers to Caribbean trade; a lack of private and public investment in the agricultural sector and the depletion of our marine resources.
“Despite these challenges, agriculture related issues continue to dominate the global trade agenda… Let us all view what is offered today and recognize that the agricultural sector of our economy is a sector that contributes significantly to food security, social stability, protection of our environment and generation of employment,” he said.
The Agriculture Minister explained that this year’s theme “Implementing Science and Technology to Increase and Sustain Agricultural Productivity” was selected as a true testimony to the belief that those who failed to adopt new technologies risked being left behind. He said the information age was in full flight and has swept the world in astonishing ways so immense that it had given way to the technology and communication revolution.
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| Fisherman of the Year Winston Hobson in a light moment with Agriculture Minister Robelto Hector after he was presented with his plaque |
The objectives of the Open Day according to Hector, were to promote the freshness and quality of locally produced commodities; to raise the awareness of the level of agricultural activity on the island; to recognize the contribution of the Ministry of Agriculture as a facilitator for farmer development; to highlight the services offered by the Department of Agriculture and to demonstrate in a collaborative effort how everyone could assist in shaping the society.
Meantime, Minister Hector handed out a number of plaques to deserving farmers and fishers who were honoured by the Ministry for their contribution in various fields in agriculture.
A number of other staff members were honoured for their contributions to the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives. |
