PM Terrance Drew meets local farmer, discusses 25 by 25 vision for food security

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew visited Keithley Armstrong, a prominent farmer at Armstrong Farms, to talk about the 25 by 25 agenda. He said that the government aims to cut food imports by 25 percent by 2025 as part of this significant agenda of CARICOM.

During the meeting, PM Drew noted that the farmers of St Kitts and Nevis are instrumental in achieving this goal and urged the individuals in the agriculture sector to strengthen the collaboration even more.

Armstrong is a local farmer of St Kitts and Nevis who has his farm in St Mary's parish. According to the information, he is known for being in the agriculture business throughout his life.

With more than 50 years in the field of agriculture, the owner of Armstrong Farms has been feeding the people of St Kitts and Nevis for decades.

With the help of God and Mother Nature, the use of sustainable farming techniques and a good ole green thumb passed down from his grandmother, Armstrong has been able to build a thriving business and a respectable reputation.

The prime minister's recent visit strived to look at the work being carried out at the farms and urge them to help the government in achieving the 25 by 25 agenda.

[caption id="attachment_67619" align="aligncenter" width="100%"] PM Drew with Farmer Armstrong at his farm (PC - Facebook)[/caption]

The government of St Kitts and Nevis along with the Ministry of Agriculture are working continuosly to advance the sector with a number of plans and projects.

Recently, the Director of Marine Resources, Randel Thompson, announced that the government is working on expanding Land-based aquaculture as part of the St Kitts' Department of Marine Resources strategy to reduce the Federation's food import bill by 25% in 2025.

He said that aquaculture covers the nurturing of aquatic animals and added that a significant aspect of the strategy involves the construction of a building for aquaculture.

"We plan to have it done this year," Thompson stated during a live radio show last week.

He further said that the objectives for the building will also involve growing fish and shrimp from eggs until they are prepared to be sold for consumption. Director Thompson added that ornamental fish development will also be featured at the aquaculture facility.