Training of young farmers and showcasing indigenous and tropical fruits part of 20-acre Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm

One of two buildings already erected on the 20-acre Agro-Tourism Demonstration farm at Sir Gilles (photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 1ST 2011 (CUOPM) – Training of youths dedicated to farming, workshops and seminars, a green energy component and a areas showing indigenous and exotic fruits are part of the 20-acre Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm Cooperation Agreement signed between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The agreement signed by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Timothy C.T. Yang calls for the training of youths who are interested in farming.

Under the agreement joint technical training courses, field workshops and seminars will be organised; an irrigation system is to be installed and a farm house, training area and other facilities are to be constructed.

Young farmers selected to work on the farm would eventually take charge of the farm’s production.

Both parties have agreed to cooperate by providing direct and/or indirect assistance to the farmers so as to help alleviate the need for St. Kitts and Nevis to import staple crops and tropical fruit.

Under the agreement, agriculture cultivation techniques will be enhanced through the introduction of suitable species and conducting fields test, sharing relevant information on fields test, educating farmers on the newest cultivation techniques and visiting local farmers on a regular basis and offering on site technical guidance and assistance.

The Tourism Development component of the Agreement will serve as a pilot project combining the tourism and agriculture industries.

The agro-tourism demonstration farm will incorporate tourism elements farm by erecting a large welcome sign at entrance and dividing the farm into a variety of areas including administration, tourism and recreation, cultural experiences, farming workshop, education, and those for showing indigenous and tropical fruits;

The section will be open to the public and offer guided tours promoting tourism by integrating the farm’s operations with the functions of other agencies.