Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud on Thursday encouraged more farmers to capitalise on the opportunity to learn to cultivate spices thorough the $12M spice project currently ongoing.
At a meeting held at his office to update stakeholders on the project, Persaud said government has provided planting material as well as technical support. The spice project was introduced to promote diversification and targets mostly hinterland areas which boast soil types needed to cultivate spices such as turmeric (dye), ginger, black pepper and nutmeg.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Persaud told farmers that these crops have a long shelf-life and can therefore survive harsher conditions, including while being transported. He noted too that the industry will create opportunities for hinterland communities to be engaged in some form of processing and packaging for local markets, as well as for export.
Indian spice specialist Dr Sashi Kumar who is attached to the National Agricultural Research Institute is working on the project. GINA said India accounts for much of the global spice cultivation and production thus farmers and technicians will be trained by experts from that country, particularly in the area of production. Spice cultivation locally will lessen the reliance on traditional crops and create more earnings for farmers.
The minister said as part of the sub-sector the industry has tremendous growth potential and that he is satisfied with the progress farmers who participate in the programme have made.
Meanwhile, Production Executive of Edward Beharry and Company Ltd., Raymond Ramsaroop said his company is very interested in the spices grown locally. The company manufactures a variety of products including ground black pepper and curry powder. The latter utilizes a blend of spices and according to Ramsaroop, they import spices from around the world; but would be interested in sourcing local produce if it meets certain specifications.
