The Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis continues its efforts to enhance food production and improve nutrition security in the country. As part of these efforts, the Ministry has been upgrading its facilities, including fisheries complexes, feed storage areas, and markets. These improvements aim to boost local production and provide a more sustainable supply of goods to meet the needs of the population.
However, one challenge that the Ministry has faced is the underutilization of the market spaces. Despite the upgrades, many vendors are still not fully utilizing the public markets. Miguel Fleming, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted this concern and shared that the Ministry is working on implementing various measures to address it. The goal is to attract both vendors and customers back to the markets, recreating the bustling atmosphere that once existed.
One issue contributing to this problem is the lack of parking at the Basseterre Public Market. To resolve this, the Ministry is exploring ways to increase foot traffic to the market by allowing customers to park for short periods, allowing them to quickly pick up fresh produce before leaving. Additionally, the Ministry is considering creating an online platform where consumers can order produce in advance and pick it up from the market. This would make it easier for people to access fresh, locally grown produce, even if they do not have the time to browse the market in person.
In addition to these measures, the Ministry is looking to partner with organizations that have large workforces to encourage group visits to the market. The idea is to create a calendar of events throughout the year that promotes support for local vendors and strengthens the connection between consumers and the produce available at the market.
One of the challenges consumers face when shopping at local markets is the higher prices of produce compared to those at supermarkets. Vendors often sell their goods at a premium due to the labor and other costs associated with operating in the market. Additionally, many consumers prefer the convenience of one-stop shopping at the supermarket, where they can find everything they need in a single location. This has led to a shift in shopping habits, with many people opting for the ease of supermarkets rather than visiting the market.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry is committed to making local markets a more attractive option for consumers. A key aspect of this is not only ensuring that local produce is available but also improving its quality. As the demand for healthy food options rises, the Ministry is emphasizing the importance of nutrition security. This involves not just ensuring that food is available but also that it is nutritious and contributes to the health and well-being of the population.
In recent years, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension have been on the rise in the region. The Ministry recognizes the link between agriculture and public health, understanding that promoting healthier diets and lifestyles can play a crucial role in combating these diseases. By encouraging the consumption of fresh, locally grown produce, the Ministry hopes to reduce the incidence of NCDs and improve the overall health of the nation.
The focus on food security is not just about ensuring that people have enough to eat but also about ensuring that the food they consume is nutritious and contributes to their long-term health. The Ministry’s efforts are aimed at creating a healthier population by addressing the root causes of NCDs and promoting the benefits of eating fresh, locally sourced food. Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Agriculture is working to boost food production, improve nutrition security, and create a healthier future for St. Kitts and Nevis.
