Farmers participate in Regional Dasheen Production Consultation Workshop

Approximately two hundred (200) Dasheen Producers and Ministry of Agriculture officials gathered at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall for a Dasheen consultation workshop on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. The theme of the workshop was “Meeting the Demand for the Constant Supply of Dasheen for Local, Regional and International markets”.

Head of the Extension and Advisory Services, Marcus Richards explained the importance of the gathering in the furtherance of the Windward Food Corridor. According to Mr. Richards, the workshop sought to create awareness for the demand of Dasheen on the local, regional and international market, address production plan issues and ascertain the consistency of supply required for implementation.

FAO Consultant, Jai Rampersaud explained the initiatives of the newly launched regional cluster of projects on promoting Windward Islands Food Production and Trade Corridor through National and Regional Value Chain Development. He concluded that there would be benefits in increased income, employment and markets with the expansion in the economies of scale of local production.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs, urged stakeholders to take note of the trends within the market and constant changes to the required standard for the international exportation of produce.

He stressed the need for farmers to understand their target market to allow for the possibility of increased market share. Mr. Gumbs also pointed out the need to take “a scientific approach” in food production in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister of Agriculture Hon Saboto Caesar expressed the position that “Dasheen is going to occupy the lion share of our efforts”. Minister Caesar informed the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture has identified a list of opportunities for the generation of income in the Agricultural Sector: o The Blue Economy o Reduction of the Food Import Bill o Supplying the Hospitality Industry o Dasheen Production o Livestock Production o Tree crop Production o Horticulture o Medicinal Wellness Industry (Cannabis)

According to the Minister, “the main conditions for propelling the dasheen production platform are an established market, suitable pricing and technical assistance”.

The workshop concluded with a working session in which farmers were separated into different groups to discuss the state of the industry and to make recommendations on the way forward.