Samuda calls on distributors to work with farmers to grow agriculture

Hon Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, has called on investors in the distributive trade to work together with the farmers to grow sufficient agricultural produce that will not only satisfy the domestic market but expand export and earn foreign exchange.
Minister Samuda was speaking at the launch of the National Irish Potato Programme in Malton, Manchester, on March 24, where he said that the emerging trend of importers becoming “a part of the agricultural initiative” is a reflection of their commitment to the sector.
“I have seen a renewed energy and commitment of the business community to work with the agricultural sector,” said Minister Samuda.
Noting that there has been a transformation in the strategy to grow agriculture, the agriculture minister said that the growth in Irish potato production over the past five years is a reflection of the cooperation and support from both local and international partners. He, however, noted that there was need for additional investment in the sector.
In addition, Minister Samuda called on the farmers to use the appropriate application of fertilizer, weedicide and other input material in the cultivation of their crop, stating that the strategic application of the various pesticides and all the elements that go into proper plant growth development was important for increased productivity.
He also stressed the need to be compliant with Global GAP requirements, which examine the efficiency that is applied in the field to determine whether or not we are to be considered as qualified, certified producers of goods that are imported by the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Minster Samuda said that the mission of the Ministry is to supply farmers with what they need, including water supply, so that they can compete internationally. “We can compete with any country on planet earth, we just need to give the farmers the tools, the encouragement and the training,” he emphasised.
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