Gov’t Integrating Climate-Smart Practices Into Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, has made significant strides in integrating climate-smart technologies and sustainable practices to tackle climate change and enhance food security.

Speaking recently at a JIS Think Tank, Senior Strategist, Consultant and Advisor to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Michael Pryce, cited interventions like
water harvesting and water storage to deal with infrequent rainfall.

He said there is also “greater use of protected agriculture and better and more efficient use of irrigation systems to minimise water loss. One of the things that we are doing as a Ministry, especially for recovery, is to deliberately look at mechanisms that will make our structures more resilient,” he said.

Mr. Pryce said that in the wake of Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, rebuilding the agricultural infrastructure has to be done with resilience at the forefront.

“It’s not just rebuilding but rebuilding with the fact in mind that we’re going to have to be preparing for stronger hurricanes. We have to be looking at flood-prone areas. All of those are part of the mechanisms that we have to take on board to ensure that we rebuild stronger and rebuild smarter. We can’t be rebuilding the same thing and then losing it every other year,” he stated.

Mr. Pryce noted that the Ministry partners with overseas experts to gain insight on ways to fortify the agriculture industry.

“We have had interventions prior to and since the hurricane, looking at different technologies that are climate smart and which we have been examining in terms of adapting and adopting within the country. In fact, there are some technologies that we have actually taken on board already. A lot of institutions from overseas have reached out to us as part of their helping us to recover,” he indicated.

Principal Director in the Agricultural Marketing Information and Incentives Branch (AMIIB), Kevin Condappa, explained that provisions are made for farmers to import quality equipment that contribute to resilient farming practices at duty-free rates.

“All they need to do is to apply,” he said, noting that they will receive a certificate that allows them to bring in equipment that can enhance their operations.