CATEGORY:AGRICULTURE
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By Trevor Thwaites (St. George's correspondent)

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: A significant portion of local bananas is being exported to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago on a weekly basis. Agriculture Officials say that the commodity has rebounded remarkably, after being ravaged by Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. After being forced to import bananas from St Vincent and the Grenadines, the enterprise is most encouraging. Manager of the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) Fitzroy James said that banana production has rebounded significantly, eight months after hurricane Emily.

Imports of the commodity from Kingstown were halted in March. 160 acres of bananas are now cultivated by 40 farmers with production in the range of 3.2 million lbs per year. According to pre-Ivan data, an average of one million lbs was sold on the local market and a market was needed for the remainder. It was sourced following a trade fair in Trinidad and Tobago, where the commodity received good reviews. James said that the local commodity generated plenty of interest during the display.

“We were able to negotiate a supply arrangement with one of the importers, who immediately agreed to take a trial sample. We moved from the trial shipment of 50 boxes the equivalent of 2,000 lbs to 400 boxers. The product was well received because of the cool conditions by which it was transported.” The MNIB boss said a deal was finally struck with the exports being increased to 600 boxers per week. He said that with the output from farmers amounting to approximately 1,005 boxers, the enterprise is quite viable.

“This essentially takes up most of the current production. There are farmers who are still increasing their production and from discussions with the importers, the prospects for increase in those volumes are quite significant,” James said. The major client of the importer is school children who utilize plenty of bananas in their school feeding programme. They are currently on the summer holidays.

“When the schools reopen we anticipate that the volume will increase significantly from the current volume of 600 boxers. Our target is to get up to about 1,000 boxes a week – the equivalent of 40,000 lbs of bananas.” The MNIB chief is moved by the deal which he says will secure a market for the farmers. However, he said that all must be done to ensure that the supply quota is met. He is confident that with production being boosted, supplies will be consistent. James has promised to work closely with farmers and the ministry of Agriculture to make this a reality and sustain the contract with Trinidad and Tobago for a long period.



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