Address by the Honourable Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives, for Agriculture Awareness Month 2025

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Theme

The Honourable Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, delivered an address in observance of Agriculture Awareness Month 2025. His speech centered on the theme "Embracing Innovation and Technology for a Sustainable Agricultural Future," emphasizing the critical role of modernization in revitalizing and strengthening the agricultural sector. He highlighted the need for Nevisian agriculture to evolve beyond traditional practices and embrace technological advancements to enhance productivity, resilience, and overall sustainability. Minister Evelyn stressed that innovation is not merely an option but a necessity for ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the face of climate change and other global challenges.

Paragraph 2: The Importance of Technology Adoption

Minister Evelyn underscored the significance of technology adoption across all facets of agriculture. He pointed to the potential of precision agriculture techniques, such as the use of drones, sensors, and GPS technology, for optimizing resource utilization, including water and fertilizer application. He emphasized that these technologies enable data-driven decision-making, allowing farmers to monitor crop health, predict yields, and implement targeted interventions for improved efficiency. The Minister also highlighted the importance of incorporating biotechnology and genetic engineering for developing climate-resilient crop varieties and enhancing livestock productivity. Furthermore, he advocated for greater utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve market access, facilitate knowledge sharing, and connect farmers with consumers.

Paragraph 3: Building a Sustainable Agricultural Sector

The address emphasized the pivotal role of sustainable practices in ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in Nevis. Minister Evelyn called for a shift towards climate-smart agriculture, encouraging the adoption of practices that minimize environmental impact while optimizing productivity. This includes promoting soil health through conservation tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping, as well as integrated pest management strategies that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. He stressed the importance of water conservation techniques, particularly in the context of a changing climate, and advocated for the development of renewable energy sources to power agricultural operations. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between government, research institutions, and farmers to develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the specific conditions of Nevis.

Paragraph 4: Empowering Youth and Women in Agriculture

Minister Evelyn underscored the critical need to engage and empower youth and women in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that attracting the younger generation to agriculture requires fostering a positive perception of the sector as a modern and viable career path. This involves introducing agricultural education programs in schools, providing training opportunities in modern agricultural technologies, and creating incentives for young entrepreneurs to enter the field. Furthermore, he acknowledged the significant contributions of women to agriculture and advocated for greater support and empowerment through access to land, credit, and training programs. He highlighted the importance of removing gender barriers and creating an enabling environment for women to thrive as agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.

Paragraph 5: Strengthening Value Chains and Market Access

The address focused on the importance of developing robust value chains and improving market access for Nevisian agricultural products. Minister Evelyn called for greater investment in processing and packaging facilities to add value to local produce and extend shelf life. He advocated for strengthening linkages between farmers and tourism businesses to create lucrative markets for local produce and promote agritourism initiatives. Furthermore, he stressed the need for exploring regional and international export markets to expand market reach and generate increased revenue for farmers. He emphasized the importance of adhering to quality standards and certifications to ensure competitiveness in these markets.

Paragraph 6: Government Support and Collaboration

Minister Evelyn reiterated the Nevis Island Administration’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector’s transformation. He outlined several government initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, technology adoption, and sustainable practices. These include providing financial incentives for farmers to invest in modern technologies, strengthening agricultural research and extension services, and developing infrastructure to support agricultural production and marketing. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, farmers, private sector actors, and research institutions, to achieve the shared vision of a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector in Nevis. He concluded by urging all citizens to embrace the importance of agriculture and contribute to the development of a food-secure and prosperous future for Nevis.