In collaboration with the Banana Productivity Improvement Project (BPIP) of the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, physical planning, natural resources and co-operatives in Saint Lucia, the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) is helping to stabilize the income of banana farmers impacted by tropical storm Kirk.
This is done through the distribution of over 20,000 seedlings of short-term fruit and vegetable seedlings of watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya and cucumber. The crops which are have now reached the market have provided much needed income to several farmers as they await the maturity of the banana crop.
In expressing his satisfaction with the program, head of mission, Mario Cheng said, “It is indeed gratifying to see vegetable production in regions where only bananas were originally produced. Deglos, La Caye, Grace, Roseau, and Micoud have begun to produce fruits and vegetables to effectively stabilize banana farmers’ income”.
To date over 150 banana farmers have also benefited from a Global Gap assistance program from the Taiwanese mission. These farmers have received masks, gloves, protective clothing, medical kits, record books and other materials to improve banana farmers participation in Global GAP certification opportunities.
