First batch of Dominican dasheen sent to the US, minister tells parliament

Dominica has exported its first shipment of dasheen to the United States, the Agriculture Minister has confirmed.

Johnson Drigo told the island’s parliament that this news is further evidence that government continues to invest in the agriculture sector – and that the sector has been able to expand its market reach.

“Today, we sent out our first trial shipment of a container of dasheen to the United States, 22,000 pounds.  This is what we are doing to move the agriculture sector forward.  As we speak, the synergies between agriculture and trade is improving,” he said.

Drigo made the announcement while supporting the supplementary estimates of over $155 million, presented to parliament by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on last week.

And minister for agriculture dismissed claims from the opposition the government gives inadequate attention to agriculture.

He advised them to encourage their constituents to take advantage of the $10 million loan facility at the AID Bank, adding that millions have been invested in the sector for soft loans.

“Over $130 million has already gone into the sector; soft loans to the farmers into production, and we are doing everything to help them in export,” he said.

The packhouses are swinging, people are just calling the packhouse asking for fresh produce... the farmers have come to realise that there is money to be made, they will not be distracted by the opposition and they are trying their best.”

“What is important is that the agricultural sector is alive and its moving forward and we will not be distracted by the opposition where agriculture is concerned.”

Within the estimates read in parliament last week, which covered the period July 2016 to April 2017, almost $200,000 was allocated to agriculture.