-‘Agri’ Ministry says strawberry cultivation trials will be conducted

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday visited Kato Village in Region Eight, where he met with farmers from Kato and Paramakatoi, who will be participating in a major commercial farming initiative conceptualised by His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The initiative, which forms part of the government’s broader push to expand food production and create sustainable economic opportunities in hinterland communities, will see the cultivation of crops such as carrots, onions, and potatoes across approximately 50 acres of land in the region.

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne, and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai.

Through collaboration between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), lands have already been identified, and land clearing has commenced.

In Kato, areas were identified for cultivation, and NAREI has already conducted soil testing after

collecting samples from the sites to ensure maximum productivity.

Approximately 25 acres of savannah lands will be utilised for the first phase of the project in Kato, while an additional 25 acres are expected to be identified for expanded cultivation.

Meanwhile, at Paramakatoi, a cooperative consisting of 16 persons has been formed to spearhead cultivation efforts.

To date, approximately 42 acres of land have been cleared, with an additional 6.5 acres currently being prepared. Through assistance from the NDIA, ploughing has already commenced on 20 acres of land.

Plans for cultivation in Paramakatoi include eight acres of onions, eight acres of carrots, and two acres of potatoes. Two acres were also dedicated to executing trials for strawberry cultivation.

Minister Mustapha said the Government will continue to provide technical assistance, infrastructure support, and extension services to ensure the success of the initiative. (MoA)