THE Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is reiterating its call to farmers and Saint Lucians in general, to report anything unusual about crops as Saint Lucia is under threat from invasive species that could ruin the entire banana industry.
The Tropical Race 4 disease is a strain of fungus that causes Fusarium Wilt and infects most varieties of bananas. Considering how fast the disease spreads and the widespread damage it can cause to banana plantations, TR4, according to the International Plant Protection Convention, “is a global threat for which coordinated action is necessary.”
The Ministry of Agriculture is playing its part with a sensitization drive.
“This soil borne fungus which affects bananas, plantain and makambu has the potential to destroy the entire industry. This is why the Ministry has embarked on a proactive approach. In the event (TR4) reaches our shores, early detection would play a key role in containing the spread of this lethal pathogen,” Winston Elliot said during a visit to THE VOICE this week.
“The objective (of the sensitization drive) is to inform and educate stakeholders about Tropical Race 4 while protecting livelihoods and safeguarding food security. The TR4 Communications Committee (in the MOA) has engaged a cross section of stakeholders throughout the island during the last two months,” said Elliot, who heads the TR4 Communications Committee.
According to him, “This initiative commenced with the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and Customs and Excise Department.” Elliot added that “ten farmer presentations and consultations have unfolded throughout the agricultural regions.”
The Banana Management Unit, Praedial Larceny, National Fair Trade Organization, and the Propagation Nursery of both Union and Soufriere have also participated in TR4 awareness activities.
Massy, the supermarket chain, has pledged its support, while the banana, plantain and nursery farm workers of Hotel Chocola/Rabot Estate in Soufriere, St. Lucia Small Business Association and St. Lucia Manufacturers Association participated in awareness activities.
The TR4 Communications Committee has also engaged the collaborative support of Digicel and Flow who have “tangibly pledged their cooperation.”
The companies will disseminate information on the deadly disease “that will be issued as a text blast to all their customers”. The TR4 Communications Committee also received support from the St. Lucia Christian Council.
“The knowledge and experience of stakeholders were critical in improving the Ministry’s approach. Their comments and suggestions are pivotal,” the Ministry said in a release, noting that in the coming weeks, schools will be involved in awareness raising initiatives.
The erection of billboards at strategic locations with partner agencies will be a crucial component of the TR4 awareness raising activities. The TR4 Communications Committee encourages interested persons to visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s website for more information on TR4.