The Ministry of Agriculture has revamped its efforts in the fight against Black Sigatoka. This was revealed in a press conference held by the Ministry on Thursday June 5th.
According to Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit, Ryan Anselm, in the fight against Black Sigatoka sanitation is key hence the ongoing measures by the Ministry to eliminate abandoned fields.
“Presently in Dominica, we have approximately 350 abandoned fields that include banana and plantain. So, in the month of June, 28 individuals employed to spray the fields will be eliminating these fields,” Anselm informed.
He also noted that the elimination of these fields can curb the spread of Black Sigatoka spores to healthy fields.
Anselm revealed that the Ministry has prepared a draft Strategic Action Plan for the banana and plantain subsector and the next step will be to meet with major stakeholders and farmers to sensitize everyone of this plan. Part of the strategy will involve the establishment of banana production zones , the introduction of resistant varieties of the crop, designated quarantine areas and training individuals on the production of resistant varieties.
The Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit reminded the public that the nation should not focus only on Black Sigatoka but should view the banana industry holistically.
“We have issues of low productivity and so we have to bring the necessary alternative, cheap input [in order] that our farmers can afford to grow bananas, still have a livelihood and maintain their source of income. We can export and look at ways we can add value to banana and plantain,” Anselm stated.
Anselm further revealed that there will be an implementation of a task force chaired by the Director of Agriculture.