At a recent press conference on Tuesday 21st June, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, Hon. Saboto Caesar, disclosed that the Banana Services Unit (BSU), is continuing efforts to reduce the Black Sigatoka disease to Cronshaw levels to a minimum of one or two.
Minister Caesar said that his aim is to “keep Black Sigatoka out of the headlines”. In this regard, he stated “for the year, we have been able to keep it out of the headlines, meaning it is not one that has aroused so much discussion in the public as a problem”.
Despite efforts to eradicate the Black Sigatoka disease, the Minister of Agriculture stated, “it is a disease that we would have to live with and we would have to adjust the technology that we use in terms of farming”. He called on farmers to prune and fertilise banana plants regularly.
From the Ministry of Agriculture’s perspective, Minister Caesar said that his Ministry will ensure that the fertiliser program that is in place is properly managed, and the fertiliser is applied on time so that the plants are healthier.
Minister Caesar is mindful that the increased application of fertiliser will be an added cost that farmers will have to bear. This, he remarked, is a sad thing because it is not reflected in an increase in price of bananas. Furthermore, he stated that “farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have done a great job so far”. However, he added that there are still abandoned banana fields, and that these are a potential source for new outbreaks of the Black Sigatoka disease.
The honourable Minister further stated the aerial spraying will continue, and that he met with Head of the BSU, Mr. Karomo Browne, to discuss the purchase of more mist blowers. He admitted that this is something for which further technical advice must be sought regarding the dispensation of these chemicals by individuals in the Ministry, if it is something that is desired to be intensified.
He highlighted that certain chemicals pose health risks to citizens so that this has to be taken into consideration. “All of these issues are being worked on, but I am satisfied, so far, with the work of the BSU in controlling Black Sigatoka disease here”, said Minister Caesar.
The Minister reminded farmers to co-operate with the BSU and that, “it is not only the BSU’s work, but there is a careful partnership, because the BSU cannot do its work if the farmer does not employ the proper farming practices, which can result in flaring ups”.
“We are in the rainy season and it is usually far easier to control Black Sigatoka in the dry season”, Caesar cautioned farmers. He said that the responsibility now lay on Mr. Karomo Browne, who took over from Mr. Sylvester Vanloo. Mr. Browne, said Minister Caesar, will be tested for his mettle over the next six months, and wished the team all the very best and asked the farmers to continue to do their practices in terms of the fertiliser application, de-leafing practices, and to work with their Extension Officers to control the Black Sigatoka disease here.
