Government of Dominica receives agriculture equipment from China

Roseau, Dominica: The Government of Dominica received a quantity of agricultural equipment and materials from the People’s Republic of China on Monday. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his delight for China’s support in improving the agriculture sector.

The equipment is valued at EC$750,000 and was received under the 8th Phase of the Joint Cooperation Project on Agriculture. 

Ambassador of China to Dominica- H.E Lin Xianjiang, handed over the One Mile Agricultural Station in One Mile to PM Skerrit at Portsmouth. The leader of Dominica was accompanied by other officials such as Minister of Agriculture- Roland Roy and Parliament Secretary in the Ministry of Education- Fanella Wenham, among others. 

The list of the supplies officially received by PM Skerrit on behalf of Dominica was as follows, 

1. Hydroponic Cultivation Systems to upgrade technology demonstrations.
2. Agricultural tools, seeds and seedling trays will be used for continuous seedling breeding.
3. Field maters are required for the maintenance of greenhouses and drip irrigation systems.
   
4. Agricultural machinery such as tractors and accessories.

   

Moreover, for a clear vision, delegates were given a demonstration of using the hydroponics system on site. PM Skerrit emphasized that he intends to tour the ongoing tissue culture lab along with the Chinese administrations following the ceremony.

It is to be added in PM Skerrit’s remarks that such initiatives will improve the livelihood of the farmers in the Federation. He extended thanks to China for the Chinese Agricultural Mission that has supported the expansion of the sustainable development program. 

Noting this, the Dominica China Modern Agriculture Centre, over the years, has provided support to several farmers across the island and also serves as a training ground for many students. 

Climate trading has sparked various weather variability, which may have significantly affected the production of commodities. This has led to the scarcity of vegetables during certain periods of the year. However, the collaborative efforts by Dominica and China will foster the vegetable and fruit tree sub-sector.

He noted that “Dominica and China have resulted in tremendous positive benefits to the people of Dominica in every sphere of our development.” Additionally, Dominica is now celebrating 20 years of positive diplomatic relations with China. 

The Government of Dominica expressed its delight to the Chinese Technical Mission for its continued support of Dominica’s agriculture sector.