CATEGORY:SPECIAL OBSERVANCE
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By Trevor Thwaites, Inside Grenada correspondent
Monday October 16, 2006


ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - With more than 854 million undernourished and living in poverty, according to figures from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the theme used for the 2006 observance of World Food Day, is said to be more than appropriate. That’s according to the man in charge of the organizing committee Daniel Lewis. “Investing in Agriculture for Food Security”, was the theme used for the celebrations here Sunday October 15th and Monday October 16th at the Grenada Trade Centre.

The Agronomist in the Ministry of Agriculture, said that Food Security in the last two decades has became a serious issue with support for small island states and developing countries on the decline. “We have seen a trend where for example in the decade of the in 80’s, an average of nine million dollars were given as aid for rural and agricultural development. In the 90’s that was
reduced to five million and clearly it has been decreasing”, said the Agriculture official.

“More people are going undernourished. Presently there are approximately 854 million people undernourished.” The situation he says is becoming more alarming with numerous deaths occurring from hunger. “Every three seconds one person in the world dies of hunger. There are 1.5 billion people living on less than US$1.00 a day. The statistics are alarming. I think that is what prompted the FAO to use the theme, to raise the level of awareness of the need to invest in Agriculture”, Daniel disclosed.

He indicated that in countries where there have been significant investments in Agriculture, the figures of undernourished persons were significantly lower and there is a need for people to continue investing in the sector, because
food security in crucial. Four years ago, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a Food Security Programme and despite the setback caused by Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, Daniel believes progress is being achieved. “ I don’t think the
effort was daunted in anyway.”

“If you look at what has been displayed here, Grenadians have picked up the pieces and are moving forward positively”, he said referring to the Two-Day Food Exhibition Sunday and Monday at the Grenada Trade Centre in Grand Anse. A wide array of the country’s foods and drinks
were on display- provisions, jams, jellies, fruits, vegetables, rums, wines, spices, flowers and items from the Cottage Industry among others
were showcased to the many nationals including school children and vistors who attended the food exhibition.

“With the positive support from government, the initiatives of farmers, entrepreneurs involved in Food Processing, I think we are making progress. In the Extension Booth, it clearly manifested the potential with a wide assortment of Roots and Tubers - Sweat Potatoes, Yams, Cassava and
Vegetables”, Daniel remarked. He credits an improved Irrigation System around the country, which has been instituted over the years by the government, as the key factor responsible for the increase in food production.

“It has made a serious impact. Over the years farmers depended on natural rainfall to grow crops; but with the advent of Irrigation, which provides farmers with water during the dry season, has made a difference. The European Union recently committed EC$1.4 million to the growth and development of the Agriculture Industry. Daniel is delighted with the news. “There is a lot of hope. With the new sense of awareness being promoted and the involvement of the schools, I think that we are moving forward”, Daniel commented.