PM Roosevelt Skerrit said his administration is budgeting $5 million for DEXIA and another $3.7 million for farmer organizations across the country. He said the cash injection into agriculture will boost food security and raise agricultural revenue in Dominica.
Speaking at the Market Day with a Difference in Roseau, Skerrit said with the financial assistance, DEXIA will be able to pay local farmers for farming products, and the reinvigorated farming organizations will equally be able to produce fresh crops on a consistent basis.
The prime minister made it clear that Dominica ought to be exporting food to international markets and to cut down on the food import bill. He declared that it would be abnormal for Dominica to be importing cantaloupe, watermelon, and other agricultural products – and to be buying these in supermarkets – when farmers in the country actually produce these fruits and crops.
Meanwhile, McClean Williams has stated that Dominica has the potential to feed her increasing population adequately without relying on food importation. He tasked the government to restructure the country so that every Dominican has food to eat and keep for the next day.
The Pan-Africanist noted that agricultural development lies in thehands of the government and citizens alike, and that everyone should play their role for food surplus in the country. According to him, food production should be everyone’s business and that this is the only thing that can guarantee food security for everyone on the Island.
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