Government estates and large-scale farmers are set to receive a major boost towards increasing production levels of Grenada’s spices.
The Initiative undertaken between the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Forestry and the Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association (GCNA) will see the injection of approximately half a million dollars (EC$500,000) under the second phase of the National Spice Replanting Programme.
Under the first phase of the National Spice Replanting Programme rolled out following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, major investments were undertaken among small farmers, householders, schools and the Minor Spices Cooperative at Laura, St David.
Under this second phase, financial assistance and technical support will be provided to farmers with up to 20 acres, who will be assisted with up to EC$20,000, while large farms ranging between 10 and 20 acres will qualify for EC$10,000 in support. Additionally, individual farmers will receive allocations ranging from EC$3,000 to EC$5,000, depending on the level of assistance required.
Speaking on Tuesday’s launch, Chief Extension Officer Lauren St Louis said priority is given to Estates and large farmers in this phase to ensure that they can build on initial support, thereby expanding the development of the spice industry. “We need to revitalise our spice industry, so this programme is really to push that mandate to enable Grenada to get beyond pre-Beryl production to ensure that we remain the lead nation in spices.”
The spices targeted under this phase of the programme include nutmeg, cocoa, ginger, cinnamon and pimento, vanilla, black pepper, bay leaf, and other local spices.
Farmers’ Representative in the Senate Senator Roderick St Clair emphasised that the partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry and the Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association aims to provide farmers with the technical support needed to improve productivity and strengthen the spice industry. “The goal of this partnership is to ensure farmers receive the guidance and support necessary to implement the work required for successful farm rehabilitation and production,” Senator St Clair stated. “Extension officers will be assigned to groups of between 10 and 20 farmers through a computerised work plan, and participating farmers will be required to commit to an agreed programme of work.”
Farmers are encouraged to apply by submitting proposals outlining the level of support needed. Following an assessment conducted jointly by the ministry and the GCNA, approved applicants will receive funding in 2 phases, with targets required to be met before the second payment is disbursed.
Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate the nutmeg varieties preferred by the GCNA, including the Banda or Mountain Nutmeg and the Popa variety, which is oval-shaped and known for its high oil content.
Officials say the promotion of these varieties is intended to support the retooling and enhancement of the country’s spice products while improving the overall quality and value of nutmeg production.
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry
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