St Vincent and the Grenadines: Banana farmers 'abandoning fields'

The Black Sigatoka has severely affected the banana fields of Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and Guyana, which has lead to the abandonment of these fields by the banana farmers. However, these countries are receiving assistance in order to eradicate this disease from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.

Also in the Caribbean region - efforts made by  the agriculture sector of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to eradicate this disease are currently being hindered by farmers failing to replant with crops that are disease-free. The Black Sigatoka has significantly reduced the value of exports from St. Vincent and the Grenadines by 90%. The Agriculture Minister, Saboto Caesar states, "We are seeing the re-growth of the (affected) bananas in those areas... It is providing the perfect environment for Black Sigatoka." 

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