MINISTER DUGGINS REMAINS STEADFAST IN COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING AGRICULTURE AND EMBRACING INNOVATION

(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 03 April 2025): 

In a bold display of strategic vision toward national development, steadfast commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency and a sustainable future for St. Kitts and Nevis,  Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources St. Kitts, hosted his first quarterly press conference of 2025 on Thursday 03 April. 

Under the theme “Vision. Action. Results”, the Honourable Minister outlined a transformative and progressive vision for the sector.

Acknowledging the diverse challenges faced on global, regional, and local fronts, Minister Duggins expressed that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the people and the cultivation of a sustainable future. “In agriculture, we are not just farming the land—we are cultivating a future,” Duggins emphasized, detailing transformative initiatives underway. outlined a bold and progressive vision for the sector, declaring that the nation is not merely cultivating land, but shaping a sustainable future.

During the event, held in the NEMA Conference Room, several key highlights were shared with the viewing and listening public. Central to these efforts is the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s Green Economic Zone Management Company, based in Abuja. This collaboration is set to revolutionize trade dynamics and establish St. Kitts and Nevis as a leading agricultural exporter within the Caribbean. A key project in this endeavor is the forthcoming Agro Hub Warehouse and Logistics Centre, which the Honourable Minister says is poised to boost the Federation’s stature as a “Food Mecca” for the region.

In conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the government launched an innovative 12-week training program in Drone Mapping and Geospatial Analysis. By equipping farmers with cutting-edge technology, the initiative aims to advance smart agriculture, enhance food security, and reinforce regional leadership—a significant leap forward for the sector. Minister Duggins highlighted that such progress requires time, patience, and courageous decision-making. He emphasized, “The journey will not be perfect. We will face resistance. There will be moments of doubt. But make no mistake: this government is committed to the long haul.” 

The strategy outlined by the government focuses on empowering local farmers and fishers, diversifying the economy, and embedding sustainability to protect against global shocks. At the end of the event, the Minister of Agriculture reiterated that the nation is establishing a foundation for sustainable growth through revolutionary collaborations and new technological integrations in agriculture, benefiting local food producers and the broader region.

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