CATEGORY:AGRICULTURE ------------------------- INSIDE GRENADA Saturday March 17,2007 EDITOR'S NOTE: This article represents the views, policies and vision of the New National Party (NNP) headed by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. The NNP has been in office since 1995 - for three consecutive terms. In the last general election, the NNP won 8 of the 15 seats that were contested. The Government of Grenada is steadfast in its undertaking as it relates to providing the necessary support to the farming community of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. On Friday, March 9, 2007 there was a handover of the potting shed that was constructed by the FAO with funding from USAID and CEDA as part of the emergency programme of the agriculture sector after the passage of the twin hurricanes ‘Ivan’ and ‘Emily.’ Also, there was a secondary handover of ninety (90) fisherman’s lockers under the same emergency programme. The lockers were built in Gouyave, Victoria, Grand Mall, Melville Street, St. George, and Calliste. The propagation of new plants continues at both Mirabeau and Maran propagation stations. The Ministry has set a target of 70,000 plants to be available for sale in 2007. Farmers and Fisher folk continue to receive funds under the Agriculture Enterprise Development Programme. On Friday, March 2, 2007 a number of Farmers were assisted under the Agriculture Enterprise Development Programme. These disbursements were the first for 2007 as the ministry conducted an evaluation of the programme before disbursing any cheques. Procedures were reviewed and systems were put in place for the smooth running of the operation. Government, in view of the fact that farmers play an invaluable role in the development of the society and that their needs were of paramount importance, will continue to support and improve conditions for farmers. A loan agreement has been signed between Grenada and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. This fund will provide $ EC 22.5 million to assist in financing the Agricultural Feeder Roads Project. This initiative goes a long way towards enhancing the social and economic aspect of farming in Grenada. The purpose is to reduce vehicle operating cost and facilitate transport of agricultural produce and passengers in all Parishes Island-wide through the rehabilitation of our agricultural feeder roads that are safe to use in all weather conditions. The project brings with it employment opportunity. It involves civil engineering works for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of about 50 kilometres of the agricultural feeder roads, sea defenses, site preparation, earthworks, pavement layers, drainage structures, bridges and road safety works, as well as consultant’s services for the construction. In addition, the Project includes institutional support for the project’s Implementation Unit, including the procurement of vehicles, office furniture, computers and office equipment and supply of maintenance equipment and tools for the Farm Roads Unit. The Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The praedial larceny task force will enforce the law to its fullest as it relates to providing the necessary protective support for our farmers. Theft of any kind is unlawful, and collectively we must all look out for each other to protect our interest. The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to put Grenadians on full notice that the importation of plants must meet the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture. We must all take an active role in protecting the agricultural sector where we have unacceptable incidence of people bringing damaging pests into the country. One of the principal means of assisting farmers and fisher folk is through the provision of information – how, when, and where it is needed. The Grenada Agricultural Information Service (GAIS) is designed to assist the farming and fishing communities of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique by providing them with pertinent and timely information on a range of subjects, including domestic commodity prices, market opportunities, business management and Government initiatives.