Increasing local food production in St Kitts and Nevis

INCREASING LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS IS IMPORTANT FOR ENSURING A STABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ITS CITIZENS.

In an effort to bolster food security and reduce dependency on imports, the twin-island federation has embarked on a ground-breaking initiative.

We explore the initiative to increase local food production in St Kitts and Nevis. Known as the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, St Kitts and Nevis is on a journey to become self-sufficient.

ST KITTS AND NEVIS ECONOMY

Despite its small size, the island holds immense agricultural potential and ranks among the world’s leading sugar producers. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and driving economic transformation in St Kitts and Nevis.

Worldwide, countries with agricultural potential are maximising its use as a developmental tool.

The transformation focuses on climate-friendly farming techniques and technologically advanced methods for cultivation and harvesting. St Kitts and Nevis is actively pursuing these strategies to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Although the nation’s economy was majorly based on the cultivation of sugar cane and production of sugar, it has been replaced by the tourism sector. Other crops of the island which are cultivated are vegetables, fruits as well and coconut.

A LOCAL REVOLUTION

In recent years, the government and communities in St Kitts and Nevis have realised how important it is to support local farming. They’re working together to help local farmers learn new and better ways to grow crops.

As per agriculture policies, the government is giving farmers the tools and knowledge they need to farm effectively. There are several community projects where neighbours work together to grow food are popping up, creating a sense of pride and teamwork.

This also means more people have jobs in farming, making the local economy stronger.
The idea is to grow a variety of foods on the island, so people don’t have to rely on foods shipped from far away. This not only creates room for job creation, but also ensures that there is always enough food for everyone.

NEW WAYS OF FARMING

St Kitts and Nevis is learning to be smart about farming. Starting with techniques that are good for the environment, such as collecting rainwater and growing food without harmful chemicals.

Notably, advanced technology is also playing a role, and farmers are using high-tech methods to grow more food with less effort. By being eco-friendly and using smart technology, St Kitts and Nevis is making sure that farming stays sustainable for a long time.

LOOKING FORWARD

By investing in local farming, St Kitts and Nevis is building a future where the island is self-sustainable for food. Each step brings the island nation closer to the idea of a self-sufficient, thriving community. It’s not just about growing crops; it’s about building a stronger, healthier, and happier community for everyone who calls the twin-island federation home.

AGRICULTURE IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

The twin-island federation has volcanic soil and is extremely fertile. There is an abundance of water too as almost 39 per cent of the island is devoted to crops. The major crop is sugarcane, followed by peanuts, cotton and coconut. Some crops, such as tomatoes, cabbage, and sweet potatoes are grown by the locals for their consumption.

CARICOM’s 25 PERCENT BY 2025

The agriculture sector has huge potential and can become a backbone for the economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis. CARICOM is committed to increasing local production and reducing imports by 25 per cent in the next two years. The global demand for food is increasing, so investing in food production is a wise investment and has a great potential to earn profit.

It’s the commitment of the heads of CARICOM to reduce the region’s food imports by 25 per cent by the year 2025. They have an agricultural food strategy for the member states. The idea is to give attention to the priority crops in the region and to encourage locals to consume local produce to decrease imports. Therefore, the CARICOM agenda is focusing on increased production and productivity.

The production should be market-driven, and investment should only be made in climate-smart agriculture. Climate-smart agriculture works on less expenditure and more production. SPS and trade-related policies are supportive of regional food and nutrition security.

ST KITTS AND NEVIS APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis is opting for a multidisciplinary approach to agricultural development. The investment in food processing technology is also being sought; this will, in return, promote the tourism sector too.

The opportunity to develop agricultural growth has also been accorded to the Island through the membership of CARICOM and many other regional agreements. Its geographical location is extremely important from the perspective of agricultural export as it’s located in the eastern Caribbean. Additionally, the seaport facilities have a strategic advantage with the existing shipping corridor to Trinidad and Tobacco and Jamaica. There are numerous opportunities for investments is this sector. These include opportunities in packaging services, regional transport services, aquaculture, and storage.

INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION IN THE CARIBBEAN

Increased agricultural production will reduce unemployment and give employment to the local non-working population. It will promote the culture of ‘grow and eat local’. Further, it can be a booster to the economy of the island. The cost of importing can be reduced substantially by implementing these measures.

Food prices have increased by leaps and bounds in the Caribbean; this boost in production could bring the prices down. The increased support in the farming sector also protects the local small farmers because their land will continue to be used for agriculture and won’t be used only for industrial/ commercial use. Eating and growing locally comes with many benefits including social, environmental, and economic. It’s also away from preservatives, hence no health hazards.

FOOD IN ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Eating local is a great way to learn about the culture and history of a place.

St Kitts and Nevis has an excellent reputation for its cuisine. Moreover, it’s not limited to Caribbean cuisine, but also Western, Chinese, and Indian dishes, too.

ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The production of fruits on this small island is exceptional. It’s very common to see colourful fruits in the local markets, like bananas, mangoes, and papaya. St Kitts and Nevis also has a potent local liquor made from sugarcane.
The cuisine of St Kitts and Nevis revolves around simple, but spicy food. Some of the nations renowned dishes include:

Goat water stew: Goat water stew is made of slow-cooked goat meat along with green pepper and onions. All the ingredients are simmered in a meaty broth.
Rikkita Beef: A beef steak marinated in champagne and pepper. It is fried after marination.
Conkies: This is a delicious side dish made up of a mixture of grated pumpkin, coconut and sweet potato.
Peas and rice: Peas and rice is the staple of the Caribbean and is specially made with celery and thyme.Coconut bread: A pudding cake made from bread, cinnamon on rice and topped with coconut. You could add butter to this dish too.
Local drinks: There are many beers brewed in St Kitts and Nevis, such as Stag and Skol