Dominica-China Agricultural Science Complex launches, PM Skerrit calls it 'proud moment'

PM Skerrit attended the commissioning of the Dominica-China Agriculture Science Complex Building and called it a 'proud moment'

Saturday, 18th May 2024

Dominica-China Agricultural Science Complex launches, PM Skerrit calls it 'proud moment' (PC - Facebook)

Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit attended the commissioning of the Dominica-China Agriculture Science Complex Building and called it a 'proud moment'. This state-of-the-art facility promises to revolutionize the agriculture sector of the country. The agricultural science complex will also support the government's goal to ensure that the local food supply chain remains stable and reliable, even with the threat of adverse weather events. While addressing the attendees during the event, PM Skerrit said that it is a proud moment for everyone who championed the construction of this facility as part of their national strategy to modernize the food systems and ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Dominican leader also expressed his deep gratitude to the People's Republic of China for their long-standing support of Dominica's people and economy, especially in the area of agriculture. "This science complex marks another major milestone in our decades-long relationship with the People's Republic of China and our drive as a government to transform the agricultural economy of our country, in sync with the regional mandate to reduce our food import bill by 25% by 2025," noted PM Roosevelt Skerrit while highlighting the significance of this new facility in enhancing the capacity of the agriculture sector. He further added that his government's clear intention is to increase the sector's contribution to the country's GDP to $700 million by 2030. He said that this will be made possible with a wide range of major investments in livestock and crop production, increased access to farms, support to farmers, the use of technology and grants to small Agri processors. PM Skerrit further noted that he thinks that the country is well on its way to achieving this lofty goal. He stated that the government is making these strategic investments because it recognizes that increases in agricultural output will mean the creation of more sustainable agri based jobs, higher incomes as well as enhanced capacity to satisfy the growing food and nutrition demands of the local, regional and global populations. In addition to this, the facility is anticipated to boost local farmers' capabilities through advanced technology and enhanced agricultural practices.

"This new and modern facility takes us nearer to meeting these objectives, as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of increased access to innovative technologies and viable Agri food systems by enabling the production of high quality, disease resistant seedlings," said PM Skerrit.

While outlining the government's aim behind these initiatives, the Prime Minister said that boosting the capacity of local farmers will help them in meeting demand, improving quality and increasing the competitiveness in the local and regional markets. He further added that this will ensure that the backbone of the nation's economy, the agricultural sector is thriving. PM Skerrit also recalled the severe impact of weather events on the agricultural systems in recent years, which reminded the government of the need for constant innovation in agriculture. "This facility is therefore essential in enhancing our climate resilience in the aftermath of heavy rains and floods," he added. Not only this, but the Prime Minister also talked about the establishment of a national seed bank which will serve as a strategic national resource in post-disaster recovery. He said that in the immediate to short term, the government is looking at expansion of crop production with the provision of clean planting material and the improved health of the crops island wide with the elimination of plant viruses. PM Skerrit further talked about the construction of the international airport and said, "I believe with the construction of the international airport, we will soon have a ready market for our local flowers with same day delivery to the destinations." He also urged the citizens to make sure that this is a niche market that they can start preparing for without waiting for the airport. "This is completed, and the opportunities are there, and we're not ready to take advantage of them," he said. With all this in mind, the Prime Minister of Dominica emphasized that there is no doubt that this new facility puts the country in a position to revolutionize several aspects of the agricultural sector and use technology to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in our food production.