25 by 2025 on rise: Local farmer grows Watermelon for first time in lands of St Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Veteran crop farmer, Andy Caines of Conaree grows Watermelon for the first time in his long 40 years journey in farming sector. With such achievement, the farmer aims to make a little step towards fulfilling the agenda of St Kitts and Nevis of reducing food imports bill by 25% by 2025.

The farmer stated that he was highly influenced by the Crop Production initiative undertaken by the Department of Agriculture of St. Kitts and Nevis, which is a part of the agenda of the St. Kitts Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources 25 by 2025.

Andy Caines shared that the agriculture department of the island nation provided him with 1200 high-quality watermelon seedlings, drip irrigation tools and plastic mulch which is also known as ground cover. He noted that the administration ensured that he has the proper and complete access to all the resources which is required to him for the successful plantation of watermelon.

While lauding the initiative undertaken by the government, he stated that it is a huge opportunity for all the local farmers to explore and cultivate new crops by using climate-resilient and sustainable methods of farming. He stated that he has planted cassava, pigeon peas, okra, pumpkin and many more but this initiative has provided him with the opportunity to cultivate nearly ten thousand pounds of watermelons.

Andy Caines shared his experience of planting watermelons and stated that he is using the matting for the first time to grow watermelons after agreeing to participate in the 25 by 25 program. “I need to plant watermelon, so I will continue to plant watermelon,” noted Andy Caines.

This achievement of Andy Caines shed light on his potential for growth and transformation within the agricultural sector. It also reflects the power that 25 by 25 agenda holds towards propelling food producers closer to achieving the government’s goal of creating a more sustainable and self-reliant food system in St. Kitts and Nevis.