More Investment in Saint Lucian Agriculture from Foreign Lands

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Monday 13th February diplomats from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, led by Ambassador Aberrahim Kadmiri presented to the media and government representatives from Saint Lucia and Dominica their proposals for a Soil Fertility Mapping Project in the two islands. The Kingdom of Morocco is the leading agricultural investor in the world and representatives of the Embassy said the new project would be facilitated by the Moroccan Department of Environmental and Natural Resource and Department of Technical Co-operation.

The project will include evaluation of soil in both territories, soil fertility and statistical analysis training, supply of fertilizers, as well as workshops in the Ministry of Agriculture for farmers. Specialists from Morocco for various aspects of agriculture will be in attendance at the workshops. The Soil Fertility Mapping Project is expected to benefit Saint Lucia in terms of food security, local employment and human resource. It will also enhance our chances of exporting food internationally.

“Morocco is self-sufficient in food produce, including in bananas, which we have better conditions for in the Caribbean,” said Reginald Severin, Technical Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dominica. “We could learn from them and develop our agriculture through the resources they provide for us.”

Kwesi Goddard, Agriculture Engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture in Saint Lucia, also in attendance at the presentation, said the Ministry will be monitoring the progress of the project when it begins.

H. E Aberrahim Kadmiri expressed hopes that this project will help share warmth, heritage and culture between the Caribbean and Africa as well as strong diplomatic and political ties.