The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan has pledged its assistance to help this country enhance its production of bananas.
The pledge of assistance was given by Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines His Excellency Calvin Ho, during his address at the launch of the first phase of the Banana Revitalization Programme on Thursday, June 21st at the Orange Hill Laboratory.
This project will focus on control methods to improve Black Sigatoka Management on a pilot area of two hundred acres ranging from Colonarie to Orange Hill.
It is anticipated that it will contribute to the reduction in the incidence of Black Sigatoka on Bananas and Plantains through public awareness and on-farm technical support.
In his address, Ambassador Ho said he is cognizant of the important role that the banana industry and the agricultural industry at large play in the economy of this country and was happy when he learnt about the Banana Revitalization Project.
Ambassador Ho added that he is also aware of the challenges in the banana sector and noted that they will assist by sharing their experiences with the local farmers to help them overcome the difficulties that they are currently facing.
The Taiwanese Ambassador noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan has collaborated on a number of projects since establishing diplomatic ties but the Banana Revitalization Project is the most meaningful to him because of the significance of the banana industry.
“We will work together with our colleagues from the Ministry of Agriculture and with our farmer friends; together we can do something to enhance the production of the banana.”