The Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project is continuing its work under a sub-component to strengthen food security and improved resilience of the agricultural sector as it collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development.
The latest in a programme of support has been the ongoing distribution of agricultural lime ,which started on July 30, 2024, in Odsan for farmers of regions 7 and 8. The benefit of the lime is to improve overall soil quality and nutrient absorption.
The procurement and distribution of agricultural lime to farmers is a critical activity for UBEC, to support the sustainable development of the farming sector. Mr. George Alcee, Crop Technical Officer of the UBEC PIU, further explains the benefits of the use of agricultural lime.
“Soil can become slightly too strongly acidic overtime, accelerated by the prolonged and intense use of nitrogen-based fertilisers. Acidic soil hinders the availability and uptake of soil/plant nutrients required for plant growth and optimal production by making more toxic elements soluble and more readily available to the plants. In this regard, the use of agricultural lime presents an equilibrium in balancing the benefits and potential drawbacks of the continued use of nitrogen-based fertilisers. Agricultural lime maximises soil nutrient performance by improving the availability of soil nutrients to plants and their reactions with each other. It also enhances the soil structure and overall environment for the survival of soil organisms, which are beneficial for plant growth.”
In February 2024, UBEC, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development distributed 39,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers.
The efficient use of fertilisers provides several benefits to farmers including, increased crop yield, improved soil fertility, increased plant resistance to diseases and pests, and adaptability to diverse crops.
However, one of the main side effects of the prolonged and intense use of nitrogen-based fertilisers in particular, is its tendency to yield higher soil acidity. Therefore, the use of agricultural lime is geared towards restoring optimal soil structure and composition.
The Project is currently supporting farmers with a farm worker initiative that provides much-need capacity for land preparation and crop management.
In the coming months, UBEC will also procure and distribute herbicides, pesticides and other agricultural products to assist with efficient crop management, and looks to expand shade agriculture with the construction and rehabilitation of several greenhouses island wide.
The project will also embark on several drainage works on farms throughout various communities, to assist with flood control.
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and the Youth Economy, through the UBEC Project, continues to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development to increase food security, strengthen sectoral resilience within the agricultural sector, and provide direct relief to farmers to assist in their recovery from natural disasters and other impacts from climate change, as well as global economic shocks.
SOURCE: Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean
