Fri, Jul 27. 2012

Fifteen unemployed Women in Langley Park will be participating in a vegetable project soon, thanks to the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).{{more}}

At a ceremony at the LESCO Headquarters on Monday, the BNTF handed over farming equipment, fertilizer, seeds, pesticides and herbicides to the fifteen women who are also members of the Women in Agriculture Langley Park Cooperative Limited.

This project was developed for unemployed women in Langley Park and is aimed at promoting agricultural diversification, food security, poverty alleviation and improving the livelihood of the women in this community.

Committee member of the BNTF Philemon Allen said the organization has proven that it is committed to anything community-based, having assisted a number of community organizations over the years. He noted that the BNTF supports farmers and he hopes that the equipment granted to the Langley Park Group will enhance farming in the community and empower the women in the organization.

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, who was on hand to witness the presentation said that these are exciting times in the Ministry of Agriculture, as they have seen a proliferation of producer groups. He noted that farming communities are organized in a way like never before, and with this approach, they are heading in the right direction. He said that these types of initiatives are needed to take agriculture forward.

Caesar noted that farmers must have a producer approach when dealing with commodities. He encouraged the farmers in the Langley Park area to continue to do an excellent job as they have a very important role to play in transforming the rural economy in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He further stated that young people have an important role to play in the agricultural sector, and as Vincentians, we must ensure that more products on the supermarket shelves are made in SVG by Vincentians.

Meanwhile Parliamentary Representative for the area Montgomery Daniel said since prior to the 2010 general elections, he had been having discussions with the BNTF to assist his constituency and he is happy that this project has come to fruition. He noted that he has also sought assistance from the organization for other projects, namely the London Road and the Fancy Cottage Road Projects, which will commence soon.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund has injected $83,000 into the Langley Park Vegetable Project.(API)