Agriculture minister: Resurgence in sector

by Linda Straker

• Town hall meeting held on Wednesday night at St Paul’s Community Centre
• Subsistence farming ensures that local communities’ needs are met
• Government wants agricultural sector investors

Agriculture Minister Senator Adrian Thomas disclosed that the agricultural sector has resurged since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took over the country’s administration in June 2022.

“A lot of people who abandoned their lands, who abandoned the agriculture sector and went and do security and other jobs because there was no hope in agriculture, they are now returning to the land, and their return is to invest in agriculture,” he told a town hall meeting on Wednesday night at the St Paul’s Community Centre.

Ron Redhead, Member of Parliament for the area, organised the meeting.

“Without agriculture, we ain’t going anywhere, and I am happy to stand here tonight and let you know that we are serious about agriculture. What is happening in Grenada now, we have renewed hope. People have confidence in the Government. They believe this Government is serious about agriculture, and they will do something about it,” Senator Thomas said. “If you are serious and you want to get involved in agriculture, don’t give up because this Government is here to create the enabling environment. We are here to support the sector and the farmers. We want people who are prepared to invest in the agriculture sector.”

The minister explained the difference between subsistence farming and commercial farming and said his Government is prepared to work with subsistent farmers and those investing in commercial farmers. “We want to encourage farmers so they can produce and export.”

Explaining that subsistence farming ensures that local communities’ needs are met, Thomas said that backyard gardening or subsistence farming allows farmers to have food for themselves and share it with family, friends, and neighbours once there is excess.