Farmers and Fishermen to Access $67.9 Million Fund for Agricultural Development
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the sum of $67.9 million will soon be available to develop the agricultural sector of the economy. Skerrit, who is also the finance minister, said the funding is from the World Bank and meant for the “Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project”.
The agricultural fund is to be implemented over a 5-year period.
The prime minister said fishermen and farmers impacted by Hurricane Maria will be able to get back to their feet with the fund. They will be able to implement climate resilience recommendations aimed at boosting their fishing and farming output.
“The government negotiated for the financial package of $67.9 million from the World Bank, specifically for investment in agriculture,” Skerrit said. “Recognizing the important role agriculture plays in food security, and job creation, and the impact it has on trade and economy as a whole – the interventions will be geared toward the restoration of the productive base for recovery of agricultural livelihoods at a total cost of $44.8 million.”
According to the finance minister, sustainable agriculture is crucial for food security and necessary for job creation. He revealed agriculture feeds the people and helps economic balance among other national interests. He added that farmers and fishermen in Kalinago will be specially targeted under the World Bank project to access the fund for increased livelihoods and regional balance.
“The Kalinago Territory will be specifically targeted under the World Bank project,” Skerrit announced. “This project will help small, medium-sized and commercially-oriented crop and livestock farmers. Fisherfolks will be helped in restoring their fishing capacity, to acquire new boats or repair damaged ones, and assist in boat-building facilities. The government will provide technical assistance for the development of more climate-resilient systems and the promotion of agri-business capabilities.”
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