Agricultural ministers from Jamaica, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines joined Bahamas agricultural and marine science minister, V Alfred Gray, and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) regional representative, Dr Deep Ford, on a comprehensive tour of the 800-acre Andros development yesterday.
Dr Ford called the multifaceted facility “the revitalisation of regional agriculture”, adding that the project illustrates the possibilities of food production by the Caribbean. The group was able to view BAMSI’s 12,000sqft administration building, $1.8m cafeteria, eight-room classroom block, female dormitory, an almost complete marine zone and thriving farming plots.
Dr Ford applauded the quality of vegetation being developed, asserting that crops being generated are “certainly” on par with international standards. “The development here should be praised,” he said.
“This entire facility shows what possibilities are obtainable if we continue to invest in the needs of our people. This goes to show that self-dependency in regards to food and adequate nutrition is possible in this region.”
He expressed his eagerness to see the compound operating at full capacity. “The expertise in agriculture, fisheries, plant production and cattle development is obvious. At this stage, you can identify exactly what is capable and work to enhance all of the projects here.”
Engineers on site yesterday confirmed that the facility is being constructed on schedule despite a number of setbacks. One source explained that portions of the site could be up and running by mid-April.
To read more, Agriculture Ministers Tour Bamsi Development
Taken from Tribune 242
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.