Basseterre, Saint. Kitts – Nevis
April 01, 2008 (CUOPM)
The governing St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Administration is giving local farmers more land for crop and livestock production.
According to the post-cabinet statement, the growth in the tourism industry, the high cost of imported food, and the availability of fertile land provide an opportunity for local farmers to expand their businesses and for new farmers to get onboard.
The Cabinet at its meeting on Monday, in response to the increasing demand by local farmers for agricultural land for crop and livestock farming, approved the distribution of 20 acres of land to small local farmers in the Estridge, Mansion and Phillips areas.
“A total of 40 acres of new land has been approved in these three areas, and another 30 acres in the Old Road area for prompt distribution to other farmers who have recently applied for land,” said the post Cabinet statement.
Cabinet noted that there are still a number of land applications for farmers in various locations throughout the country and agreed that there is need for drastic improvements in the mechanism for the allocation of land to farmers. A task force has been installed to ensure expedited land distribution to farmers.
Government said it remains absolutely committed to the empowerment of local entrepreneurs through agriculture in this post-sugar era.