Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed that the construction of the Agricultural Science Complex on island will help in the continued transformation of farming and crop production in Dominica.
The Complex Facility is a high-tech agricultural modernization project with a total investment of about EC$10 million fully funded by the Chinese Government.
It will include a state-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory and a technical training center. The tissue culture lab will be used to produce virus-free plants, effectively controlling stubborn diseases such as banana black spot, and improving the quality and yield of agricultural produce, while ensuring Dominica will no longer depend on imports of virus-free seedlings.
During his speech at the ground breaking ceremony of the project, the PM stated that the challenges farmers face in large measure has to do with the containment and treatment of pests and diseases on our farms.
“I believe that is costing us as farmers about 40% of the cost of our agricultural pursuits and with the introduction of tissue culture plants and seedlings, this is going to help in reducing and if not eliminating the presence of certain pests and diseases on our farm, giving farmers clean planting material. “
He noted the complex will ensure that yields can be dramatically improved and the cost of production can be reduced and therefore their revenue, stream and income would be increased.
“We welcome this research and development center and I will say to our ambassador that will not only keep this for Dominica, the intention is to share this knowledge and experience here with the rest of our brothers and sisters in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).”
Skerrit further said he believes as integrationist, persons need to ensure and assure that this food security, not only in Dominica but throughout the region.
” The extent of the of the contribution of the Agricultural technical Mission in Dominica over the last 17 years really is extraordinary and every village in Dominica has benefited from the presence of the Chinese agriultural technical Mission here as a gift to the government of Dominica.”
With this added facility, the PM said that the country will no doubt see a dramatic improvement in the quality of crops.
“We have set ourselves a target to increase the contribution of Agriculture to the GDP to 700 million dollars. I believe that it can be achieved. At present We contribute about 300 million dollars to the GDP in our country,” he added.
He advised thar if persons can change their consumption habits and eat more of what is produced, it will help in reducing the food import bill, keeping our foreign exchange and have funds circulating among farmers and communities.
The facility will also offer an enabling environment that supports the training of farmers and technical officers, to the benefit of all agricultural districts and farmers in Dominica.
