Agriculture dying since NDP took office- Natalio D. Wheatley
The host of the Things to Talk programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Wednesday November 2, 2016, stated that something better has to be done for the agricultural industry.
“Agriculture has been stagnant and has been dying since the NDP got back into office and we really have to do better for agriculture,” Mr Wheatley pointed out.
In October, the NDP was again accused of not being serious as it relates to the Greenhouse Project at Paraquita Bay, this time by Opposition Leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3).
His remarks came as the Government moved to seek the approval for a $1.5 million loan to fund the startup and running of the Greenhouse Project that was initiated by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Administration, saying it was a joke all in an attempt to fool the people of the Virgin Islands that they were committed to completing the project soon.
Hon Fraser was addressing the Government's Motion in the House of Assembly (HoA) on October 31, 2016.
Meanwhile, Mr Wheatley said sadly, the approach of the Minister responsible for Agriculture, Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), was greenhouses or nothing at all.
In recent years, the NDP has again been blamed for the significant scaling down of activities in the annual Farmer’s Week held in February, which eventually got cancelled this year and is expected to be hopefully on the cards for 2017.
Farmers in previous years have also boycotted or threatened to boycott Farmers Week as they have not been satisfied with Government’s treatment towards them.
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17 Responses to “Agriculture dying since NDP took office- Natalio D. Wheatley”
Waiting on NDP to come till your soil and water your crops won't work.
It's not as if the bulk of inhabitants are planting their lil patch of ground. These farmers have all the market and still claim that there is a problem. Put on your Farmers week and show off like u know hard work with pleasure and stop with the Gov assisted and dependency affliction.
Moreover, the growing population due to the expansion of service sector economy increased the demand for agricultural products. However, the use of arable land that was once dedicated to agriculture is now being used for housing and other needs, together with other factors noted above, reduce the capacity to be self sufficient in food production. Consequently, food had to be imported to meet the growing demand.
Nonetheless, the BVI should to the maximum extent practical produce food to reduce its food import bill and to enhance its food security posture. Producing as much food as possible locally comes with other benefits. For example, the production and supply of local food keeps money local, creating a multiplier effect in the economy. Further, the food will be fresher and healthier. Further, the tourism and agricultural industries can be linked to create employment, boost earning opportunities, expand the agricultural industry.....etc. The BVI should be able to produce vegetables, eggs, fish, poultry, some fruits, pork.......etc for at least local consumption, Produce and buy local!